Absa Bank Kenya has made an announcement today that it will invest KES70 million as the Official Presenting Partner for the 2023 Magical Kenya Open (MKO) tournament. The event is scheduled to take place from March 9th to March 12th at the Muthaiga Golf Club.
Absa Bank Kenya has been partnering with the Magical Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) for the past 12 years to sponsor the international tournament, which is now a part of the esteemed DP World Tour. The 2023 Magical Kenya Open tournament is expected to bring in around 156 top-notch golfers from all over the world, along with 8 Kenyan professionals and 6 amateurs who will have the opportunity to compete for the significant $2 million prize money.
During the ceremony to hand over the cheque, Yusuf Omari, the interim Managing Director of Absa Bank, reiterated the bank’s dedication to continuing its partnership with the Government of Kenya, the Magical Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL), and other stakeholders to enhance the profile of the tournament. He emphasized the significance of the tournament in promoting Kenya as an international destination for both sports and tourism.
“For us, the MKO presents another unique opportunity to showcase the tenacity and effort by great golfers across the world, including the resilience of our local golfers. At Absa, we refer to this as the Africanacity spirit; that distinct African ability to always find a way to get things done despite all obstacles,” Mr. Omari said.
He added: “Over the last 12 years, we have played our role, not only in the growth and elevation of the Kenya Open to world-class standards, but also in demystifying golf as a sport that is loved, appreciated and celebrated by Kenyans from different walks of life and not just the elite.”
Peter Kanyago, the chairman of KOGL, expressed his appreciation for Absa Bank’s continued support as the primary and presenting partner for the tournament. He commended Absa for their unwavering commitment to the tournament’s success and their efforts to promote golf and tourism in Kenya.
@AbsaKenya has today announced a KES70 million investment as the Official Partner of the 2023 @KenyaOpenGolf (MKO) set to be held @MuthaigaGC from 9th to 12th March. @moscakenya@KenyaGolfUnion @PGKgolfkenya @SafariTourKe #theteeoffmasters pic.twitter.com/GvHIzPzRwx
— THE TEE OFF MASTERS (@TeeoffMasters) February 20, 2023
He said: “Together with our partners, we have set stage for another thrilling Kenya Open Golf Championships where some of the world’s top golfers will be battling it out for an enhanced prize purse of nearly KES249 million ($2 million). This is the second time that the DP World Tour event will be held at the Muthaiga Golf Club which tags itself as the ‘Home of Golf’.”
As the Official Presenting Partner, Absa Bank Kenya’s support for the tournament will include sponsoring fees for the Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL), which will help them fulfill their responsibilities concerning event organization and prize money. Additionally, Absa Bank will allocate funds to create unforgettable experiences for their customers, as well as golf enthusiasts and spectators, by investing directly in the event.
“We will use the other part of our investment to amplify the stature of this tournament using various traditional media and digital channels to continue elevating the tournament and to make it bigger and better than last year’s,” Mr Omari added.
Apart from the sponsorship funds provided to KOGL, Absa Bank Kenya will also extend additional support to the local players. This support will go towards improving the welfare of the players, ensuring that they are motivated and in excellent physical and mental condition to compete with renowned multinational golfers who will participate in the tournament.
Over 15,000 spectators are expected to visit Muthaiga Golf Club over the four days of the tournament. “We are equally excited in showcasing Kenya to the world because this year’s championship will be televised live to a global audience of over 500 million households,” Mr. Kanyago added.
The event was graced by the presence of Ababu Namwamba, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts, and Jonathan Mueke, the Permanent Secretary of the State Department of Sports and Arts.
The Kenya Open tournament, which was inaugurated in 1967, has evolved to become one of the most prestigious sporting events not only in Kenya but also in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the previous year’s tournament, which was held at the Muthaiga Golf Club, Ashun Wu from China emerged as the winner of the Magical Kenya Open championship.
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