Kisii Sports Club is set to stage the highly anticipated CBK Golf Tournament, bringing together amateur golfers from across western Kenya and neighbouring regions for a competitive showcase of skill and sportsmanship.
The event, backed by Central Bank of Kenya, forms part of corporate-supported golf circuits that continue to strengthen the country’s sporting ecosystem while offering networking opportunities for professionals and enthusiasts.
Organisers say the tournament will be played over 18 holes in the Stableford format, a scoring system designed to accommodate golfers of varying handicaps by awarding points based on net scores per hole rather than aggregate stroke count.
This format has become a popular choice for corporate and club tournaments due to its ability to sustain competitive balance while maintaining pace of play and broad participation.
Growing reputation as a regional golf hub
Club Captain Adrian Monari expressed optimism ahead of the tournament, highlighting the club’s steady transformation into a preferred venue for high-profile golf competitions.
“We are proud to welcome over 100 golfers for the CBK tournament. Over the years, Kisii Sports Club has grown tremendously, both in infrastructure and reputation. Under our current leadership, we have positioned the club as a hub for major golf events in the region,” Monari said.
Industry observers note that investment in course maintenance, clubhouse amenities and tournament management capacity has enabled regional clubs to compete with established golfing destinations in larger urban centres.
Such developments are expanding Kenya’s golf footprint beyond traditional hubs while promoting inclusivity in the sport.
Multiple categories to drive participation
Participants will compete across a broad range of categories reflecting the inclusive nature of the tournament structure.
The competition will feature the Overall Winner title alongside recognition for Men’s Winner and Ladies’ Winner, complemented by 1st and 2nd runners-up placements across main divisions.
Additional segmentation into Division 1, Division 2 and Division 3 categories will allow golfers to compete against peers of similar handicap levels, enhancing fairness and engagement.
Special categories including Guest Winner, Sponsor Winner, Senior Winner and Junior Winner will further broaden participation while fostering intergenerational interest in the sport.
Skill-based prizes such as Longest Drive for men and ladies, Nearest to the Pin and Best Effort awards are expected to add excitement and reward technical excellence throughout the competition.
Financial literacy component adds value
Beyond competition, the tournament will incorporate an investor education component led by CBK representatives.
Sophie Ongalo, Centre Manager at CBK Kisii, confirmed that participating golfers will receive demonstrations of the DhowCSD platform, which facilitates retail investment in Treasury Bills and Bonds.
The engagement is expected to provide attendees with practical insights into government securities investment, aligning sporting events with financial literacy outreach initiatives targeting professionals and business leaders.
Corporate golf tournaments increasingly serve as platforms for brand engagement, stakeholder networking and knowledge exchange alongside sporting competition.
Economic and tourism impact for Kisii County
Local stakeholders anticipate that the tournament will generate short-term economic activity through accommodation bookings, hospitality services, retail spending and transport demand associated with visiting players and guests.
Sports tourism has emerged as a growing niche within Kenya’s domestic travel market, with regional tournaments attracting participants who combine competition with leisure experiences.
For Kisii County, hosting events of this scale supports destination visibility while strengthening the local sports ecosystem.
Hospitality providers, small businesses and transport operators are among the sectors likely to benefit from increased visitor traffic linked to the event.
Corporate sponsorship shaping golf development
Corporate-backed golf tournaments have played a significant role in expanding Kenya’s competitive calendar while supporting club operations and infrastructure improvements.
Financial institutions, telecommunications firms and manufacturing companies regularly sponsor tournaments as part of brand positioning and stakeholder engagement strategies.
Such partnerships provide clubs with resources to enhance course quality, upgrade facilities and attract broader participation.
The CBK Golf Tournament at Kisii Sports Club reflects this model, combining corporate sponsorship with community engagement and sporting development.
Outlook for regional golf growth
As regional clubs continue investing in facilities and event management capabilities, Kenya’s golf landscape is expected to experience further decentralisation, creating opportunities for talent development outside major urban centres.
Events like the CBK tournament contribute to this trajectory by offering competitive exposure for amateur golfers while strengthening the viability of regional venues.
For Kisii Sports Club, successful hosting of the February 28 tournament will reinforce its positioning as a competitive destination capable of attracting corporate partnerships and national-level events.
The anticipated turnout of more than 100 golfers signals strong interest in the event and highlights the expanding appeal of golf within Kenya’s broader sports and lifestyle landscape.
