17th – 20th September 2020
Vet Lab Sports Club will from tomorrow 17th – 20th September 2020 host the 98th edition of the Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship. The event which counts towards the world Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) has attracted 108 golfers.
The Kenya Amateur Matchplay Championship, organized by Kenya Golf Union (KGU), is the oldest and most prestigious match play events in Kenya. Since 1910, the tournament has been played each year except for 1915-1919 during the First World War and 1940 – 1945 during Second World War.
All eyes will be on defending champion Paul Muchangi from Limuru Country Club who clinched the title last year after a tight contest. Other players to watch will be Simon Njogu, Jay Sandhu, Isaac Makokha and John Lejirma.
The event has attracted 19 juniors including the top junior in the country Mutahi Kibugu alongside Njoroge Kibugu, Daniel Kiragu, Taimur Malik, Njogu Kung’u , Ali Wassim among others. The tournament has also attracted Celestine Nsanzuwera from Rwanda and Sigmund Haland from Norway.
The tournament will start with with a 36-hole strokeplay knockout rounds and only 32 players will advance to play in the matchplay rounds. After the four-day tournament the winner will get an automatic slot to play in the 2021 Magical Kenya Open that is scheduled to take place in March at the Karen Country Club.
“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we have received a good field from all over the country. We will ensure that the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health as well as the Ministry of Sports to help curb the spread of COVID -19 are followed.” said the Tournament Director, Peter Kiguru.
“The tournament will be played without caddies as directed by the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Honorable Mutahi Kagwe, and there will be no formal presentation at the end of the competition.” added Kiguru.
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