Kenyans among 68 professionals golfers for KCB Karen Masters
Andy Watt (left) the KCB Karen Masters tournament director and Lawrence Kimathi, the Karen Country Club chairman, receive a Sh30 million sponsorship cheque from Kenya Commercial Bank’s group chief operating officer Samuel Makome at the club on February 2, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |
What you need to know:
- KCB has committed to support the event for the next three years.
A total of 68 professional golfers, including 22 Kenyans, will play in the inaugural KCB Karen Masters at the par 72 Karen Country Club course from March 17.
The event’s tournament director, Andy Watt, said on Thursday that the pros will vie for a prize purse of $15,000 in a 36-hole competition which is part of the club’s 80th anniversary.
Speaking during the launch of the event by the title sponsor KCB, Watt said the tournament was initially planned for 54 holes, but due to the fact that the local pros will be featuring in the 72-hole PGK Jamii Masters at Sigona finishing on the Friday before tee-off, the club decided to reduce the Masters to only 36 holes.
He, however, said on Friday, March 17, there will be a Pro-Am tournament where the visiting players, some of whom are drawn from the European Challenge Tour, will be joining Karen members and guests of the sponsors.
There will be prize money for the top 10 players ranging from $4,000 for the winner to $200 for the 10th placed player.
If no Kenyan pro makes it to the top 10, there will be three prizes for them where the top placed player will take home $300 with $200 for second placed and $100 for third.
In addition, the lowest Kenyan pro round will attract $100 dollars for both Saturday and Sunday while each of the local pros will also be paid $100 appearance money. For the Pro-Am, there will be three prizes each for individual and team. Entry fee will be Sh500 covering the entire event.
Speaking during the launch, KCB Group chief operating officer Samuel Makome said KCB will continue supporting the growth of golf and other sports events.
“KCB will continue being at the centre of supporting the growth of this sport. We believe in supporting great ideas that will enable the country’s progress’’ he said.
Makome who also presented a cheque of Sh30 million of which Sh12 million goes to the club to meet the expenses of staging the event which include accommodation, and flight expenses for the visiting players.
The remaining amount will be used for such things like branding, hospitality tent among other expenses.
KCB has committed to support the event for the next three years.
