NAIROBI, Kenya, July 24- Plans are underway to make the local Barclays Golf Circuit a continental affair in future, the event sponsors disclosed on Wednesday during the launch of the second edition.
Speaking to reporters, Barclay’s Consumer Banking Director, Zahid Mustafa, revealed time constraints prevent the roll out to cover 14 African countries the financial institution transacts its business this year.
“Our intention this time around was really to take it international. We have already started thinking on this idea that came about in Kenya and take it across Africa.
“We are working on connecting the golfing fraternity across the continent,” Mustafa said during the launch of the series that tees-off this weekend at the Limuru Golf Club.
Just like last year’s inaugural campaign, the circuit will visit 14 golf courses strewn around the country and will culminate with the February 22, 2014, grand finale at Nairobi’s Karen Golf Club where the top 20 finalists will gain entry at next year’s Barclays Kenya Open Pro-Am competition.
In Limuru, tournament defending champion, Tanvin Khan, will pit his abilities against more than 100 seasoned golfers with organisers of the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) run circuit targeting over 3000 up from the 2400 that took part last year.
“Further during the circuit, all players will contribute Sh100 towards junior golf development. It is my hope that through the event, we shall reach many players from all corners of the country,” KGU chairman, Francis Okwara noted.
He hailed the circuit’s impact in opening avenues for local golfers to sharpen their skills in addition to their five-year commitment to the European Tour Kenya Open.
Besides raising funds for junior golf development, Mustafa added they would encourage participants to contribute towards various corporate social responsibility initiatives ran by the sponsoring firm.
Eldoret, Nakuru, Machakos, Nyanza, Thika, Sigona, Nyali, Windsor, Nyeri, Royal Nairobi, Karen Club, Vet Lab and Muthaiga golf clubs will join Limuru in hosting the rounds.
