Hemingways to sponsor golf tournament

The 2016 Barclays Kenya Open holds promise for young Kenyan golfers as the country seeks to produce a first domestic winner at the European Tour Challenge event.

Hemmingways Holdings Limited joined the litany of sponsors for the 48th edition that will run at the Karen Golf Club from March 17 to 20 with 156 pro golfers from Europe, America, Asia and parts of Africa, including local professionals and amateurs taking part.

Hemingways Group’s CEO, Alastair Addison said the Open is a great marketing tool that will shine the spotlight on Kenya as a professional golfing destination in Africa with the Open part of a 28 tournament series played in 22 nations.

“By offering our sponsorship to Kenya Open Golf limited we believe we are part of the long term future of Professional Golf in this country. Events such as the Kenya Open are wonderful showcases for Destination Kenya and what this spectacular country and its people have to offer international tourists and business travellers,” he added.

Last year, 20 year old Haydn Porteous from Johannesburg won the Kenyan series of the European tour with Barclays Kenya Open CEO, Peter Kanyago saying they will seek to see more young local young golfers given a chance this year.

“There a number of golf players from Kenya who we are rallying behind to win this tournament. We hope that this time round, a Kenyan gets to take the trophy home at the end of the tournament,” Kanyago stressed.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, Former President Mwai Kibaki and Sports, Culture and Arts Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala will grace this year’s Open.

The total prize of this year’s tournament will take home a cash prize of 25 Million Kenya Shillings.

The Kenya Open became part of the Challenge Tour schedule in 1991 having been first played in 1967 at the Muthaiga Golf Club.

Karen will be hosting the 2016 BKO for the fourth year running.