KBL splashes Sh40m into 2025 Kenya Open
Kenyan pro Jeff Kubwa follows his shot during the Kenya Breweries Limited sponsorship anouncement for the 2025 Magical Kenya Open on February 12, 2025 at Kenya Railway Golf Club.
What you need to know:
- Kenya will field a contingent of eight professional players who secured their place through qualifier events organized by the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK).
- The players include Njoroge Kibugu, Greg Snow, David Wakhu, Samuel Njoroge, Dismas Indiza, Mohit Mediratta, Riz Charania, and Edwin Mudanyi. Though Obath noted that two more slots had been added for Kenyan professionals, their names were not disclosed.
Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), through its premium whisky brand Johnnie Walker, has become the second corporate sponsor to support the 2025 Magical Kenya Open golf tournament, scheduled for February 20 at the par-71 Muthaiga Golf Club course.
On Wednesday, KBL announced a Sh40 million sponsorship for the DP World Tour event, reaffirming its long-standing partnership with the tournament. As part of this sponsorship, Johnnie Walker will serve as the Official Alcohol Beverage Partner for the event, which celebrates its 56th anniversary since it was first held at Muthaiga Golf Club in 1967.
The main tournament, featuring 144 professional golfers from 20 countries, will be preceded by a Pro-Am tournament on February 19, giving local amateurs a chance to play alongside visiting and local professionals.
KBL’s sponsorship aims to enhance the tournament experience by providing entertainment at the Tournament Village and offering fans a taste of its premium brands. Additionally, the funding will support Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL) in organizing logistics and ensuring a seamless event.
Speaking at the sponsorship announcement at the Kenya Railway Golf Club, KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti expressed pride in the company’s continued support.
"We are proud to renew our partnership with the Magical Kenya Open through our premium spirit brand, Johnnie Walker. As a long-standing supporter of golf in Kenya, we are committed to providing fans with a bespoke and memorable experience at the tournament. We look forward to bringing excitement to the Tournament Village and promise fans an unforgettable time," said Ocitti.
East African Breweries Limited General Manager, Spirits, Alvin Mbugua, highlighted the alignment between Johnnie Walker and the sport of golf.
"For over two centuries, Johnnie Walker has symbolized aspiration and achievement. This ethos aligns seamlessly with the game of golf—a sport characterized by precision, resilience, and continuous improvement. Our sponsorship highlights this, as we support Kenyan talent while boosting the pride of every fan watching their home-grown stars shine. Johnnie Walker’s partnership with Magical Kenya Open reflects our commitment to growing golf in Kenya and fostering a culture where sports can thrive as a cornerstone of national pride and economic opportunity," said Mbugua.
KOGL Tournament Director and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Patrick Obath, commended KBL for its unwavering support, noting that the sponsorship is critical to the tournament’s success.
"We are delighted to have KBL renew its partnership with the Magical Kenya Open as the Official Alcohol Beverage Sponsor. This sponsorship will assist us in meeting key obligations, including event logistics and prize giving. The Magical Kenya Open plays a crucial role in positioning Kenya as a premier international tourism and sporting destination. We look forward to welcoming top golfers and urge Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to support their favorites and showcase our country’s hospitality."
Kenya will field a contingent of eight professional players who secured their place through qualifier events organized by the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK).
The players include Njoroge Kibugu, Greg Snow, David Wakhu, Samuel Njoroge, Dismas Indiza, Mohit Mediratta, Riz Charania, and Edwin Mudanyi. Though Obath noted that two more slots had been added for Kenyan professionals, their names were not disclosed.
In the amateur category, players who qualified through the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series include Michael Karanga, the 2024 KAGC series champion, and John Lejirmah, the KAGC 2024 runner-up.
Others are Nyali Golf and Country Club’s William Odek, the Stroke Play Champion, Uganda’s Michael Alunga, the 2024 Match Play Champion, and Adel Balala. The only junior golfer to meet the Kenya Open qualifying criteria is Muthaiga’s Shashwat Harish.