Breakdown of millions pumped into Magical Kenya Open
The prestigious Magical Kenya Open is finally here with us and what more can turn our heads if not for the massive influx of money being pumped into the sporting spectacle? Let's buckle up and get to understand the details of money being pumped into the major annual golf event.
The prize money
The DP World Tour event, formerly the European Tour, will tee off at Muthaiga Golf Club on Thursday this week and run til Sunday as 156 golfers from Kenya and abroad converge to compete for about Ksh228M ($2M) that will be given to the winner.
Ksh250M from the government
Having a rich history on Kenyan soil plus the attraction of major foreign participants, the government was certainly not going to be left behind in showing its immense support for the event.
Kenya Open Golf Limited’s Chairman, Peter Kanyago said that he was happy that the government through the Sports Arts and Social Development Fund in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage had once again stepped up to support the event by providing the prize fund for the event.
“It is through government support and commitment that this event was elevated to the elite European Tour that eventually became the DP World Tour,” Kanyago said.
Ksh27.5M Mediamax Network Limited boost.
With an aim of growing the sport further within Kenyan societies, Mediamax Network Limited chipped in big-time through its Chief Executive Officer Ken Ngaruiya who on Monday, February 21, 2022, presented a Ksh27.5 million cheque to the Muthaiga Golf Club.
“The tournament will be beamed live throughout on K24 plus and segments on K24 TV,” Ken Ngaruiya said while presenting the cheque.
"Our goal is to facilitate growth in the sports industry. We are now keen on giving exposure to golf lovers through our various platforms," he added.
KBL Ksh 70M Sponsorship
Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) expressed its delight at the partnership with the organizers of the continents’ premier golfing event.
"As the most premier sporting event in the region, the Championship continues to fit well within the company’s goals and objectives and we are therefore proud of this partnership’’, KBL Managing Director John Musunga said.
Ksh2M boost from Crown Paints
The Ksh2M has been geared towards the general upgrade of the Muthaiga Golf course which actually serves as the venue of the tournament.
Crown Paints Plc Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rakesh Rao said the tournament is a great opportunity to grow and develop golf in Kenya adding that the sponsorship is part of the listed company’s commitment to promoting sports and tourism in the country.
“Over the years, we’ve been sponsoring golf in an effort to ensure that Kenya produces more golfers who are able to compete at the international level. This is why we are keen on promoting the development of the game, particularly among the youth,” Rao explained.
Coca Cola commits Ksh4M
Another sponsor on the table is Coca Cola. As the official hydration partner through its water brand Keringet, Coca Cola will provide beverages for golfers and fans at the event.
Speaking at the cheque presentation event, Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) Commercial Director Zuhura Ogada welcomed the sponsorship by Coca Cola saying, “We are delighted to have Coca-Cola, through the Keringet brand as the official hydration partner for the Magical Kenya Open Golf Championship.
Ksh56M from Absa Bank
Closing off the list is Absa Bank Kenya which recently announced a Ksh56 million sponsorship investment to become the official partner of the Magical Kenya Open.
Absa’s investment includes supporting local Pros to ensure they have all the necessary requirements to effectively compete against renowned golfers from around the world. The remaining investment will help Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) to organize another tournament and publicize it while showcasing the country’s capacity to host international sports events.
