KCB Group Unveils 2023 East African Golf Tour

East Africa golf prospects have received a shot in the arm after giant banking corporation Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) launched the inaugural six-nation East African Golf Tour to support budding golfers, women golfers, amateurs, and professionals.

The event, organized by KCB in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, was unveiled at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club on Tuesday to boost the golf culture in the region. 

Dubbed the KCB East Africa Golf Tour, the 8-month-long series tour, comprising an 18-leg amateur series, will traverse six countries and sixteen counties in Kenya, with Tanzania and Uganda hosting two series each, while the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi will host one tournament each.

The bank has committed Ksh. 60 million towards supporting the tourney, an addition to the more than Ksh. 300 million it has spent on golf sponsorships in recent years, which is a testament to the company's dedication to supporting budding golfers by giving them opportunities to compete locally and regionally.

While recognizing corporations' support of the country's sporting disciplines, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports Ababu Namwamba hailed the event as an excellent branding opportunity that will market Kenya as a top tourist destination.

"For KCB, we are proud to be associated with you because, through your involvement, we have been able to position sports as a bridge across social and economic gaps, giving the participants an opportunity to improve their quality of life as well as grow the sports infrastructure across the country," he reckoned. 

KCB Group Human Resource Director Japheth Achola described the East African Golf Tour as a perfect platform that will enhance the golf culture in East Africa by encouraging participation. 

"We have a rich history and connection with the game of golf over the years, and we have been instrumental in creating opportunities for hundreds of golfers, enabling them to hone their skills and eke a living out of it."

The Kenya legs of the tournament will be played at Vetlab Sports Club, Eldoret Golf Club, Limuru Golf Club, Railway Golf Club, Kakamega Golf Club, Nyanza Golf Club, Thika Sports Club, Nyeri Golf Club, Nakuru Golf Club, Kericho Golf Club, Great Rift Valley Lodge, Kitale Golf Club, Machakos Golf Club, Sigona Golf Club, Nyali Golf Club, Nandi Bears Golf Club, and Karen Country Club. 

The winning golfers from each club will qualify for the Pro-Am finals slated for November 2023 at the Karen Country and Golf Club, where 200 golfers from 40 teams across East Africa will tussle for the title.