Magical Kenya Ladies Open as tourney strikes multi-million partnership with liquor company

From Left - EABL Group Managing Director Jane Karuku, Johnnie Walker Reserve Brand Manager Wambui Kibe and EABL Influencer Manager Grace Ndiege

GOLF Magical Kenya Ladies Open as tourney strikes multi-million partnership with liquor company

Mark Kinyanjui 19:00 - 01.02.2024

EABL, through whisky brand Jonny Walker, has agreed to a Ksh.25 million partnership with Magical Kenya ahead of the tournament which will take place at the Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi in February.

Nairobi; February 1, 2024: East African Breweries PLC (EABL) has, through its premium spirits brand Johnnie Walker, announced a combined sponsorship worth Ksh. 25 million for the upcoming 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open. 

Set against the breathtaking PGA-accredited Baobab Course at Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County from 8th to 11th February 2024, the Magical Kenya Ladies Open stands out as the only Ladies European Tour (LET) - sanctioned women's professional golf competition in the East and Central African region.

Set against the picturesque PGA-accredited Baobab Course at Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County, from February 8th to 11th, 2024, the Magical Kenya Ladies Open is set to stand out stands out as the sole Ladies European Tour (LET)-sanctioned women's professional golf competition in East and Central Africa.

The 72-hole stroke play competition, serving as the season-opener for the 2024 LET calendar, will feature 108 top local and international golfers competing for the championship title on Africa's only PGA-accredited golf course. The total prize money at stake is €300,000 (Kshs 52.4 million).

During the sponsorship announcement event  EABL CEO & Managing Director Jane Karuku emphasized that the sponsorship purposes at contining commitment to promoting inclusion and diversity in society.

"Today, as we proudly announce our sponsorship for the 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open, we want to reaffirm our enduring commitment to fostering our women golfers,” Karuku said.

“This sponsorship goes beyond a financial commitment: it is a testament to EABL's deep-rooted dedication to championing the cause of inclusion and diversity and therefore our support for the 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open is a strategic move to amplify the voices and celebrate the talents of women in golf and beyond," added Mrs. Karuku

Karuku further reiterated the sponsorship’s seamless alignment with EABL's broader mission to create a society where every individual, regardless of gender, is afforded equal opportunities to thrive and excel. 

“The Magical Kenya Ladies Open serves as a platform to showcase the prowess of women in sports and to inspire future generations to break barriers and pursue their dreams relentlessly, in line with the Johnnie Walker brand's ethos of progress and resilience.”

The fourth edition of the tournament, held in 2019, 2022, and 2023, has attracted top lady golfers playing in the Ladies European Tour. 

Notable participants include Germany’s Alexandra Försterling, winner of the 2023 VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open and the 2023 Mallorca Ladies Open, as well as Kristýna Napoleaová from the Czech Republic, the 2023 Amundi German Masters champion. 

Other participants from various countries include Alice Hewson, April Angurasaranee, and last year's hole-in-one sensation, Lisa Pettersson from Sweden. Kenya's Naomi Wafula will lead the charge for the local contingent.

Dirk Glittenberg, U.COM Event Managing Director, commended EABL and Johnnie Walker for their steadfast support for the tournament. 

“We commend EABL and Johnnie Walker for their steadfast support for this tournament and we are honored to have them on board once again.

“ EABL's dedication to promoting inclusion and diversity aligns seamlessly with the values we cherish in women's golf. 

“We extend our sincere gratitude to the company for their continued partnership and shared vision in making the Magical Kenya Ladies Open a beacon of excellence and empowerment for lady golfers in this region.”

The tournament will commence with a Pro-Am event on February 7th, where Kenya’s amateur golfers will team up with professionals for a friendly round before the main event.

Following the Magical Kenya Ladies Open (MKLO), the series will continue its journey, making stops in Saudi Arabia before heading to Morocco for the prestigious Lalla Meryem Cup.

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