This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
On June 11, 2020, Kenya Open Golf Limited Chairman Peter Kanyago announced that the organization would provide financial support to members of the 2019-2020 Safari Tour season, who have been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
The gesture aims to help professional golfers meet their financial commitments during this challenging time. The financial aid will be drawn from entry and membership fees collected during the 2019-2020 season.
Among the 54 Safari Tour members, 39 are Kenyans, 10 Ugandans, two Nigerians, and one representative each from Senegal, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe. The tour members participated in 11 tournaments played between August 2019 and February 2020, with 7 tournaments held in Kenya and 4 in Uganda.
Kenya Open Golf Limited will consult with the Government of Kenya to find the safest way to commence the 2020-2021 Safari Tour.
Professional golfers have been adversely affected by the current restrictions, leading to a loss of income. Kenya Open Golf Limited Chairman Peter Kanyago stated, "Many of our professional golfers have been adversely affected by the current restrictions instituted to minimize the spread of COVID-19. In doing their part to stop the spread of the dreaded virus, our members have suffered a lot due to loss of income. We are giving them a small token to help take some sting out of these harsh and uncertain times."
Captain of the professional golfers of Kenya John Wangai praised the decision, saying it came at a much-needed time. "This is the best thing that has happened to professional golfers since the postponement of the Magical Kenya Open in March. On behalf of the Safari Tour family, I would like to thank the board of Kenya Open Golf Limited for coming to our aid at our hour of need."
