Safaricom pump more money into Kenya Open

Safaricom's Director, Regional Sales and Operations, Steve Okeyo (left) hands over a dummy cheque of one million shillings to Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) Chairman, Charan Thethy (centre) and Vice Chairman, Nelson Mudanyi at the Michael Joseph Centre. PHOTO | COURTESY |

What you need to know:

  • PGK has already tried the system during a series of qualifiers for their members in preparation for this week’s Kenya Open tournament.

The Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) has received Sh1 million from Safaricom for the sponsorship of a Tournament Management System (TMS) for their members.

The TMS includes a full tour membership system, tournament entry option, player database and financial recordings. It will also have information on tournament draws, scoring, cut and a results facility linked directly to the website www.progolfkenya.com.

The website will also give members access to communication via email and SMS of their tee-off times and scores after the last round.

“It’s an honour for us to be part of yet another golf sponsorship, just a few days after we announced our support for this year’s Barclays Kenya open. We continue to invest in the sport because we believe in its potential to attract and transform the lives of the players,” said Steve Okeyo, Regional Sales and Operation Director, Safaricom.

PGK has already tried the system during a series of qualifiers for their members in preparation for this week’s Kenya Open tournament.

“We are absolutely thrilled as PGK Board to be able to provide these facilities for our members using a digital platform. We hope this will inspire young golfers to take up the game as a career. It has eased the administration of our tournaments and allowed all players to concentrate on the game," said PGK chairman Charan Thethy.

The platform has been developed by OCS Sports in the United Kingdom, who have also partnered with a number of world’s leading professional tours and golfing federations including The European Tour and The Sunshine Tour South Africa.

PGK hopes to attract events throughout the year, which will be placed on the TMS in advance. The PGK platform will be managed by YTPR Sports Division, Kenya.