S. GitahiKGU launches dates for 2023 International Pairs Series
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 06.07.23. | 20:00
The International Pairs is the world’s largest golf tournament, where national teams represent their country or territory at the World Final for the chance to be crowned world champions
The Kenya Golf Union (KGU) on Thursday announced the launch of the exciting 2023 International Pairs Series expected to take place across seven different courses and weekends, all culminating in a Grand Finale set for 1 September 2023.
The Series tournament is entering its fourth edition in the country after being held in previous years namely; 2019, 2021 and 2022, with a break in between (2020) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2023 International Pairs Kenya is on!
— Kenya Golf Union (@KenyaGolfUnion) July 6, 2023
Launched today at Muthaiga Golf Club by the Vice Chairman and Tournament Director-Mr. David Ndung'u.
Sign up today and stand a chance to win a fully paid for trip to play at the World Finals in Portugal.#InternationalPairs #WorldFinals pic.twitter.com/v69OlAXx8L
In the launch event graced by KGU Vice Chairman and Tournament Director Mr. David Ndung’u at the Muthaiga Golf Club, the first event will be held on Saturday 8 July 2023 at the Muthaiga Golf Club, with 75 pairs having already been registered to play.
The weekend series will then take stops at the Nyahururu Sports Club on 15 July, Kericho Golf Club on 22 July, with the Great Rift Valley Golf Resort hosting the 29 July leg.
Also at the launch event at the Muthaiga Golf Club on Thursday, were KGU Chairman Philip Ochola, Hon. Treasurer Karugu Macharia, Executive Board Member Sammy Itemeere and Hon. Secretary Chris Kinuthia.
“The Grand Finale will be on 1st September 2023 at a venue to be announced,” Vice Chairman Ndung’u said. “The World Finals will then be on 6th to 10th November at the Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort and Bom Sucesso Resort, Portugal.”
For the remaining Kenyan legs, Nyali Golf and Country Club will host the 5 August event, with Nakuru Golf Club and VetLab Sports Club holding the 12 and 26 August legs.
“All golfers who are 18 years and above and have a valid WHS handicap index can register and participate in any of the qualifier events,” Ndung’u added. “Mixed pairs are also allowed and the entry fee is Ksh. 3000 per person (Ksh. 6000 per pair).”
As a norm, the series will be played in a four-ball better-ball format (Stable ford) with a handicap allowance of 85% of the Course Handicap.
The top five pair winners will win prizes and earn a spot in the Grand Finale that will see the top three winners from there book fully paid tickets to the World Grand Finale where they will battle for a chance to be crowned World Champions.
Since the start of the series in 2019, seven pairs have participated in the fully paid trip to the World Grand Finale.
Mike Karanga and Steve Kiaro, James Kamenchu and Anthony Murage, and Bhamra Bilu and Romy Sandhu, participated in the finals in 2019 at Penina Golf Resort, Portugal.
In 2022, Saawan Shah and Jay Varia, Chand Shah and Kush Shah, Julius Rono and Eric Mutai, and Steve Kiaro and David Gitao, participated in the finals at La Cala Golf Resort, Spain.
The pair of Chand Shah and Kush Shah finished as runners ups in the World Finals, just one point from the winners from Namibia in Johannes Damon and Hylton Villet.
