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.
END
