Safaricom has announced a Kshs.3.5 million sponsorship towards the 2017 Barclays Kenya Open, scheduled to take place at the Muthaiga Golf Club from Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th March.
As the Official Telecommunications Sponsor, Safaricom will provide a media center and wireless connectivity to the secretariat, clubhouse and the village for the duration of the tournament.
The 49th edition of the tournament will see a total of 156 golfers from 28 countries, including 22 professional Kenyan golfers and six amateurs, compete for the total prize money of Kshs.22 million (220,000 Euros) and the top prize of Kshs.3.5 million (32,000 Euros).
âItâs a privilege for us to be part of yet another internationally acclaimed golf tournament just a few days after we participated in the inaugural Karen Masters. Safaricom continues to be a proud supporter of sports in Kenya, and remains committed to playing our role in transforming lives through sports,â said Sylvia Mulinge Director Consumer Business, Safaricom.
The company injected Sh7 million sponsorship into the Karen Masters which allowed Safaricom to be the official telecommunications sponsor at the Karen Country Clubâs 80thanniversary celebrations. The event brought together 68 local and international professional golfers, including 22 Kenyans, who took part in the 36-hole competition over a three-day period.
Safaricom has invested Kshs.15 million in sponsoring the tournament over the last three years in line with its quest to support events that raise Kenyaâs profile as a choice destination for golf professionals and enthusiasts, as well as create broader appeal for the sport locally.
âWe have enjoyed a great relationship with the organizers of the Barclays Kenya Open and are optimistic that the golfers will deliver an excellent showcase over the four-day tournament,â said Ms. Mulinge.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the venue will host Pro-Am tournaments where visiting players will  join club members and guests of the sponsors.
