The Luxury hotels chain Hemingways Collection has announced a Sh. 4 million sponsorship for the Magical Kenya Open 2019 golf championship that is set to start off at the Karen Country Club on March 14.
The Hemingways Nairobi Branch will provide 48 room nights, becoming the Official Hotel Partner for the Championship that is part of the European Tour and has attracted 144 players from across the world.
Hemingways Collections Chief Executive Officer Alastair Addison said that partnering with the acclaimed championship was part of the hotel operator’s strategy to participate in activities that promote Kenya as a preferred destination for leisure, business and sports tourism.
“We are partnering with the Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) for the second season now and this year’s event is particularly dear to us following the entry of the government through the ministry of tourism as title sponsors,” Mr. Addison said.
“The Magical Kenya Open 2019 is set to not only enthrall fans with world class golfing but also position Kenya as a prime venue for international sports tournaments.”
He added that inclusion of Magical Kenya Open 2019 as part of the European Tour will usher in a new era for the event and raise the profile of Kenyan players.
Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) welcomed the sponsorship and expressed delight with the partnership extended so far by various sectors to support the growth and development of golf in Kenya.
“We are extremely delighted with the immense support and enthusiasm showed by Hemingways Collection over the years. Their continued support for the event speaks volumes to the kind of tournament we are going to experience this year,” said KOGL Sponsorship and Publicity Director, Kathleen Kihanya.
“We particularly thank the board and management of Hemingways Collection for their support and great hospitality; a key component for the success of the tournament,’’ she added.
Kihanya affirmed that the winner will walk away with Sh.22 million and that they have had top gear preparations.
Kenya’s flag will be flown by 18 golf players; 12 professional and 6 elite amateurs. Among the pros will include Safari Tour winner Greg Snow, Dismas Indiza, David Opati and Rizwan Charania.
The amateur team will be led by Daniel Nduva of Nyali Golf and Country Club, Samuel Njoroge of Railway Golf Club and Mutahi Kibugu of Muthaiga Golf Club.
Kenya Open tournament tickets are going for Sh.1000 daily and Sh.3000 seasonal and they are available online on their website.
The tournament has attracted elite golfers from all over the world and is currently the second oldest event under the PGA European Challenge Tour. This year’s tournament is set to be held at Karen Country Club from 14th to17th March.
The 2019 event will in addition mark a major milestone as it will be broadcast live by national and international media, potentially reaching millions of viewers from across the globe.
By Valencia Nasimiyu/Elizabeth Wambui
