Hemingways Collection has committed Ksh 4 million to sponsor the 2019 Magical Kenya Open golf tournament, set to begin at Karen Country Club on March 14. The Nairobi-based hotel operator will provide 48 room nights for participants, securing its role as the event's Official Hotel Partner.
The European Tour-sanctioned championship, now in its 52nd year, will feature 144 global golfers including 18 Kenyan players. Alastair Addison, CEO of Hemingways Collections, highlighted the partnership's alignment with the company's goal to promote Kenya as a hub for leisure, business, and sports tourism.
"This is our second consecutive year supporting the Kenya Open Golf Limited (KOGL)," Addison said. "The government's recent involvement as title sponsor underscores the event's growing significance." He emphasized that inclusion in the European Tour will elevate Kenya's profile as an international sports destination.
KOGL's Sponsorship and Publicity Director Kathleen Kihanya praised Hemingways' long-term support, calling it "a key component for the tournament's success." The event will showcase 12 professional and six elite amateur Kenyan golfers, including Safari Tour winner Greg Snow and rising stars like Dismas Indiza.
Headlining the field is 15-time European Tour champion Thomas Bjorn, marking the 2019 edition as a milestone. The tournament will be broadcast globally, potentially reaching millions of viewers, and will celebrate the event's 52-year history since its inception in 1967.
