KCB LAUNCHES SUNSHINE TOUR SANCTIONED 2018 KCB KAREN MASTERS GOLF TOURNEY
KCB Bank has launched the 2nd edition of the KCB Karen Masters, a fully sanctioned Sunshine Tour event with Kshs. 15 million in prize money.
The tournament, slated to run from July 17th -22nd, 2018 will be held at the par 72 Karen Country Club and will see 152 local and international pros and 4 top amateurs battle it out for the top honours—the Blue Jacket. This includes 100 top Sunshine Tour golfers, 32 local pros and 20 regional pros.
The backing by the South Africa based Sunshine Tour and the allure of playing at such a world class event is fundamental for the growth of golf in the African Continent.
“This is a great avenue for more golfers to play at our prestigious tournament. We are redefining the golfing experience as we engage with golfers across Kenya,” said KCB Group HR Director Paul Russo. “The event is imperative for the development of golf in Kenya and the move will resonate at many levels with our agenda to grow sports in East Africa as one of the biggest sponsors across disciplines,” he added.
The Bank has set aside Kshs.12 million in the sponsorship while Karen Country Club has also reached out to other sponsors to support the event.
This year’s showdown presents four days of pros competition, two days of pro-am tournament and a junior golf clinic, KCB said. KCB Karen Masters Tournament Director Andy Watt said: “We have been working round the clock to meet the deadlines and I am happy to present a great course and facilities for the 2018 KCB Karen Masters”.
There will be a cut on Friday 20th July that will see 152 golfers reduced to 70 leading golfers who will compete for top honors on Saturday and Sunday.
The event is a culmination of the KCB Road to the Masters, a KCB-sponsored five-leg series that is expected to generate 30 amateur winners to play at the Pro-am. The five events were set for Ruiru (May 12) Limuru Golf Club (May 26), and Eldoret Golf Club (June 16). Nyali (June 30) and Muthaiga (July 7).
