Inside NCBA’s Sh18 million Golf partnership
NCBA Bank has renewed its partnership with the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) and the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) Kenya in support of their golf activities in 2024.
Through the partnership, the bank has pledged Sh6 million support to KGU in support of the 2024 Kenya Golf Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) Series.
The financial infusion is designated for the enhancement of cash awards for amateur golfers, building on the success of a similar initiative in 2023.
At the same time, the Junior Golf Foundation Kenya will receive Sh12 million in support of the 2024 Junior Golf Series events.
The sponsorship is aimed at supporting junior golf development in the country, reinforcing NCBA’s dedication to nurturing young talent.
The partnership was announced at the Sigona Golf Club on January 24, 2024.
Speaking at the event, Sports Cabinet Secretary Hon Ababu Namawamba hailed the partnership as a major step in the elevation of golf in the country.
In a speech read on his behalf by Evans Achoki, Secretary of Administration, State Department of Sports Secretary, he said: “This partnership between NCBA Bank, the Kenya Golf Union, and the Junior Golf Foundation is a major step in elevating golf in our country. NCBA have demonstrated their steadfast commitment towards elevating the sport as evidenced by their generous financial support for both KGU and JGF, and I therefore would like to extend my gratitude to NCBA for being a valuable partner.”
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our continuous journey to uplift and inspire the next generation of golfing talents in Kenya and I would like to assure you of the government’s commitment to supporting such initiatives which align with our collective goal of elevating the standards of golf in Kenya.”
While announcing the sponsorships, NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said the move cements the bank’s commitment to support the development of golf in the country through the promotion of talents from the junior to the senior ranks.
On his part, KGU Chairman Phillip Ochola said; “On behalf of the Kenya Golf Union, I extend our sincere gratitude to NCBA Bank for their invaluable partnership, which is a game-changer in the realm of golf development in our nation. NCBA’s support signifies not only their commitment to the sport but also their understanding of its significance in fostering talent.”
In 2023, the NCBA sponsored the KAGC series to the tune of Sh5 million which enabled 162 players to earn a living from the sport.
On the junior front, NCBA sponsored the Junior Golf Series to the tune Sh7.6 million geared towards junior tournaments and golf development programs.
NCBA was also the title sponsor of the NCBA Kenya Invitational – a US Kids Golf Regional Championship event that attracted 110 juniors from 12 countries.
The Kenya Golf Union has rolled out a total of 28 tournaments which start this weekend with the 65th edition of the Sigona Bowl at Sigona Golf Club.
On the other hand, the Junior Golf Foundation will start the junior series with the first event of the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation NCBA Nairobi Local Tour on 4th February 2024 at Vet Lab Sports Club. The foundation is set to host more than 43 tournaments in 2024 across the country.