All set for 2025 King of the course golf series season opener in Machakos

Golfer Andrew Miheso follows his shot swing. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard]

After a two weeks' holiday festive break, an estimated robust field of 160 golfers are expected to converge at par 72 Machakos country course for the 'year opener' in the first leg of the 2025 King of the course golf series tournament this Saturday.

The daylong 18 holes' tournament that brings together the golfers from both Machakos and the wider Nairobi metropolitan area will be battling for supremacy in the highly anticipated 9th edition of the ICEA LION King of the Course 2025 golf series.

This tournament follows the resounding success of last year's 8^th, edition which unfolded across seven different clubs nationwide and concluded with a spectacular grand finale in October 2024 at the Nyali golf and country club in Mombasa county.

Machakos golf club captain Edwin Saluny who assured the golfers that the course is in pristine condition said they are thrilled to host the tournament and expressed confidence that it will be a big tournament affair.

The series golf captain Joe Mboya said the series will be open to any golfer with valid handicaps and several professional golfers and juniors have also been invited and will be participating in the annual events.

He pointed out that the grand winner of the 2024 series has been scheduled to participate in the 2024 Lekoa Classic in April 2025 at Parys Golf & Country Estate-Vaal De Grace, in South Africa.

Mboya further explained that the golf circuit is a key fixture in ICEA LION's annual events calendar and a cornerstone of its strategic objectives for customer-centricity and continuous brand engagement.

ICEA LION Group Chief Executive officer Philip Lopokoiyit who is also an ardent golfer expressed enthusiasm about hosting customers and stakeholders at the 'year-opener tournament' in Machakos.

"We are happy to kick off the series at Machakos and anticipate an even grander affair, this series is not just about golf, it's a celebration of excellence and a platform for meaningful engagement with our clients and stakeholders across Kenya, "said Lopokoiyit.

He said that the series promises to be a source of excitement and above all a celebration of the thriving golfing community across Kenya.

"As the supporter, we committed to enhancing competitiveness within the sport while also fostering greater participation in golf, attracting both enthusiasts and novices alike, "said Lopokoiyit.

According to the just released series calendar of events, next action will continue at Thika Greens Golf Resort on February 7.

This will feature an 18-hole High-Level Executives and CEOs tournament, serving as a prelude to the Ruiru Sports Club tournament on February 8, which is expected to attract a formidable field of over 250 golfers.

The series will then proceed to Nanyuki Sports Club on March 8, followed by Nandi Bears on May 31, before culminating in the grand finale at Nyali in October.

KING OF THE COURSE 2025 CALENDAR SERIES

Machakos-Corporate golf day-4^th, January.

Thika Greens-High Level CEO's-7^th, February.

Ruiru-Corporate golf day,8^th, February.

Nyeri-Club nite curtain raiser for Nanyuki-7^th, March.

Nanyuki-Corporate golf day-8^th, March.

Kericho-Special club nite for Nand-30^th May.

Nandi-Corporate golf day,31^st, May.

Royal Nairobi- Special club night-ICEA LION Life Assurance-24^th, July.

Karen- ICEA LION Life Assurance corporate golf day,15^th, August.

Mombasa (front)-Club nite curtain raiser for Nyali-24^th, October.

Sarova white Sands-Mombasa market engagement dinner party-24^th, October.

Nyali-Corporate golf day-25^th,October.