The stage is set for the 2019 KCB Karen Masters, a fully sanctioned Sunshine Tour event to be held on June 26th -30th, 2019 at the Karen Country Club.
While launching the event on Thursday, KCB Bank Kenya, the sponsor, said it had put aside a total of KShs.70 million with KShs. 15 million set aside as prize money and other amounts going towards organization and promotion of the event.
The tournament will run from will bring together 152 Pros and 4 amateurs for four days of superb golf action. Of these, 100 Pros will fly in from the Sunshine Tour to join 47 local and regional golf professionals.
The Bank said the continued backing by the Sunshine Tour, one of the world’s major golf Tours, has raised the profile of the tournament, exposing pros and amateurs to the allure of playing at such a world class event and effectively growing golf on the African Continent.
“The tournament has grown in its stature, and we are delighted to welcome top class golfers our country. We are redefining the golfing experience in the region,” said KCB Group Chief Operating Officer Sam Makome.
“KCB’s investment in the Karen Masters is informed by the need to continually support the expansion of sport tourism in East Africa, one of the fastest growing sectors in the East Africa tourism industry. It resonates at many levels with KCB’s agenda to grow sports in East Africa as one of the biggest sponsors across disciplines. We are proud of our golf sponsorship novelty over the years. For us golf is an avenue of networking with our current and potential customers” he added.
KCB has invited partners including Johnnie Walker, Standard Group and Coca Cola, DT Dobie to enhance the experience at the village for the thousands of golf fans expected to grace the event.
This year’s showdown presents four days of competition and a pro-am tournament. KCB Karen Masters Tournament Director Andy Watt said it is all systems go for the event.
“We have been working round the clock to meet the deadlines and I am happy to present a great course and facilities for the 2019 KCB Karen Masters, we have also made some changes to the way the golf holes will be played. The first nine holes will be played as normal, however the current 13th to 18th holes will play as the 10thto 15th holes and the current 10th to 12th holes will play as the 16th to 18th holes”, said Andy.
There will be a cut on Friday 28th June that will see 152 golfers reduced to 60 golfers and ties who will compete for top honors on Saturday and Sunday.
