The Magical Kenya Open Golf Tournament this past week received a sponsorship boost from ABSA Bank Kenya. The Ksh56 million will go into the preparation and hosting of the event that will take place at the Muthaiga Golf Club from 3rd – 6th March 2021.
This year’s tournament is set to attract over 150 golfers from Kenya and across the world, including eight Kenyan professionals (Pros), six Kenyan amateurs, and two regional players.
Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony, Absa Bank Kenya Managing Director Jeremy Awori reiterated the importance that the annual tournament played in shaping the country both as a preferred global tourist destination for wildlife and sports tourism.
“We are proud to yet again, be part of this prestigious tournament that will not only help spotlight the best players in the game, but also give us an opportunity to partner with local Pros and help them bring their possibilities to life.”
The Kenya Open Golf Limited chairman, Peter Kago, lauded the sponsorship by ABSA saying that it has been one of the things that have promoted the growth of the tournament in the country.
The Magical Kenya Open which dates back to 1967, has been an annual event held in the country. In 1991, it took a place on the Challenge tour before it became part of the European Golf tour in 2019.
In 2020, the event took a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic before making a comeback in 2021 at the Prestigious Karen Country Club. The winner of the 2021 edition Justine Harding, who beat his closest competitor American Kurt Kitayama, will be looking to retain his title at the Muthaiga Golf Club.
This will be the first time Muthaiga Golf Club will be hosting the tournament since it joined the European Golf Tour. Some of the changes that have been at the course in preparation for the tournament include the construction of a 450-yard range, the construction of a special motorable bridge to be used by the over 70 golf carts to access the different courses.