The Barclays Kenya Open has become the European Challenge Tour’s most lucrative event after raising its prize fund to €500,000 to mark the 50thedition of the prestigious tournament.
First held in 1967, the Kenya Open is one of the longest-running African events on the European circuit, having hosted both the European and Challenge Tours over the course of six decades.
Over the years the Nairobi tournament has been won by some of the game’s greatest players.
Major Champions Seve Ballesteros, Ian Woosnam and Trevor Immelman have all triumphed in East Africa, while last year Aaron Rai delighted the home crowds by lifting the famous trophy in front of his emotional Kenya-born mother.
The Kenya Open, which was not played in 1976 and 2003, will take place for the 50th time this season, and to mark this significant landmark President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that his government would work together with Kenya Open Golf Limited, partners and sponsors to raise the standard of the event going forward.
Peter Kanyago, Chairman of Kenya Open Golf Limited, said: “As a board we have worked very hard to maintain the standards of this event for 50 years now, and I must thank the Kenya Golf Union, our sponsors, our host clubs, the volunteers and the golf fraternity for supporting this event tirelessly.
“As we celebrate 50 years, we are opening a new chapter in 2018 and beyond, and we will once more call on all these stakeholders to continue supporting us as we work together to deliver an even bigger championship for the benefit of golf in Kenya.”
Ambassador Kirimi Kaberia, Sports Principal Secretary for the Kenyan government, said: “As the Ministry of Sports, we remain committed to support the Kenya Open and the various development programs of the Kenya Golf Union.
“We also commend the Kenya Golf Union and Kenya Open Golf Limited for hosting the Kenya Open for 50 years now. This is a great milestone that is built on the back of good governance and accountability.”
Fatuma Hirsi, Tourism Principal Secretary for the Kenyan government, said: “Kenya offers a unique golf tourism product; we have international standard golf courses and resorts, magnificent weather throughout the year and affordable green fees at our golf courses.
“The Kenya Open has played a huge role in showcasing this golf offering to the world and for that reason it remains an important event for the Ministry of Tourism, Kenya Tourism Board and our country.”
