Golf has always been recognized as a sport and hobby for the affluent in society. However, as an exemplary corporate citizen, NCBA Group has been on a drive to introduce golf to previously uncovered demographics and segments of the population.
Working together with the Kenya Golf Union (KGU), the financial services provider has developed and runs the NCBA Golf series which seeks to support young budding talent. The main Series runs concurrently with the NCBA Junior Golf Series, now endorsed by the Junior Golf Foundation of Kenya and a partnership with the US Kids Golf. The junior tournament caters for the budding golf talent in Kenya for children aged between 6 and 18 years.
“Golf is a sport that is yet to be fully appreciated in Kenya and our participation in these events is in the hope that we can encourage especially more young people to develop as much interest in golf as they have in other sports disciplines,” states John Gachora, the group MD, NCBA, while commenting on the golf sponsorship via the firm’s website.
This year, NCBA Golf Series 2024 (4th Edition) kicked off in March. The series attracts both junior and amateur golfers from across the wider East African region, all coming together to compete in various categories and prizes.
To boost the Series, NCBA earmarked Kshs 6 million to the KGU in support of the 2024 Kenya 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.
On the other hand, the Junior Golf Foundation of Kenya received Kshs 12 million in support of the 2024 Junior Golf Series of events. And just like the Amateur series, the sponsorship is aimed to support junior golf development in the country, while reinforcing NCBA’s dedication to nurture the country’s and region’s young golf talent.
“Sports sponsorship remains an important area for us as it transforms the lives of many Kenyans. As such we are pleased to announce that we launched the 4th Edition of the NCBA Golf Series. This year, we are delighted to renew our title sponsorship of the Kenya Golf Union (KGU) and the Junior Golf Foundation Kenya (JGF) tournaments scheduled for the year,” noted Mr Gachora.
“This renewal marks a significant milestone in our commitment to the growth and development of the sport of golf in our beloved country. As NCBA, we recognize the profound impact that sports, and specifically golf, can have on individuals and communities, and it is in this spirit that we continue our unwavering commitment to support and promote the growth of golf in our country.”
Last month, the NCBA Golf Series teed off at the Karen Country Club, marking the 7th leg of the series. The event attracted a field of over 200 golfers, all vying for coveted slots in the Grand Finale scheduled to take place later this year.
The Karen leg of the tournament was a follow-up to the successful sixth edition held at Muthaiga Golf Club earlier, with a turnout of over 200 golfers.
In the NCBA Junior Golf Series, the tournament has a packed lineup, with 14 qualifier events. Among the highlights of the series this year was the NCBA Uganda Open hosted at Lake Victoria Serena on March 31 to April 1, 2024.
And as the title sponsor of the Junior Golf U.S. Kids events this year, NCBA Group has announced that the U.S. Kids Regional Championship will take place in January 2025.
So far, the group’s commitment to Junior Golf has enabled over 1,500 young golfers to participate in tournaments nationwide. Additionally, the firm has supported weekly coaching sessions across the country, nurturing the game from its grassroots.
(To follow the NCBA Golf series, check the calendar of events here for more details).
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