Diani Beach Masters now has the power

PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO Eng. Benson Muriithi (left), Chief Manager - Distribution at Kenya Power, hands over a dummy cheque to Leisure Lodge Resort Director Steve Omenge on October 2, 2012 as sponsorship for this year's Diani Beach Masters Golf Tournament. Looking on is Leisure Lodge Sales and Marketing Manager Liz Ayany (centre).

What you need to know:

  • Steve Omenge Mainda, a director of Leisure Lodge Beach Resort, said in Nairobi on Tuesday that at least 300 golfers are expected to play in the event as it makes a return to its original format
  • Since it was started in 1998 to commemorate the conclusion of the 18-hole par 72 course, the Diani Beach Masters was organised as a Pro-Am event where amateurs played alongside professionals
  • In 2007 it was upgraded to join the league of Kenya’s Order of Merit events, popularly known as “Golfer of the Year”

The 2012 Diani Beach Masters, which marks its 14th year, is expected to bring together golfers from the East African region.

Steve Omenge Mainda, a director of Leisure Lodge Beach Resort, said in Nairobi on Tuesday that at least 300 golfers are expected to play in the event as it makes a return to its original format.

He spoke after receiving a sponsorship cheque of Sh3 million from its newest title sponsor, Kenya Power.

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Mainda said this year’s event, which gets under way on Friday, will have golfers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.

“The entry makes Diani Beach Masters the largest amateur golf event in the country besides the professional Kenya Open and on behalf of the board of Leisure Lodge Bach Resort, I would like to thank Kenya Power for making it happen,” he said.

Upgraded to Goty event

Since it was started in 1998 to commemorate the conclusion of the 18-hole par 72 course, the Diani Beach Masters was organised as a Pro-Am event where amateurs played alongside professionals.

In 2007 it was upgraded to join the league of Kenya’s Order of Merit events, popularly known as “Golfer of the Year”. This however knocked many would be participants, such as the ladies and high-handicap golfers.

Leisure Lodge chief executive officer John Kioko Mutua last year announced the new changes of returning the DBM as it is popularly know to its original format.

However, this year’s event will feature amateurs only while arrangements are being made to bring on board the pros.

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