International teams to feature in Tannahill Shield’s centenary celebrations edition

By , February 28, 2025

To mark the centenary celebrations of the Tannahill Shield Golf Tournament,  organisers have invited Royal Golf Club’s from across the world to grace the event.

These includes Royal Harare Golf Club, Kampala Golf Club and among others.

Organisers Royal Nairobi Golf Club (RNGC) announced grand plans to mark the 100th edition of the prestigious Golf Tournament, set to take place over the Easter weekend, from April 18 to 20.

Royal Nairobi Golf Club Captain Willy Mastamet remarked that as one of the oldest and most esteemed amateur golf tournaments in Sub-Saharan Africa, this year’s event holds special significance, marking the centenary of a competition that has brought together amateur golfers since its inception in 1924.

Mastamet expressed excitement about the centennial tournament, adding: “It is a great honor for us to host the 100th edition of the Tannahill Shield. This tournament has a rich history, and this year’s centenary event will be a celebration of tradition, sportsmanship, and the continued growth of golf in Kenya.”

First held in 1924, the Tannahill tournament was the brainchild of Major Arthur Tannahill and started as an annual event when the general committee of the then Nairobi Golf Club invited teams representing Mombasa, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nakuru and Muthaiga to participate in the tournament over the Easter Weekend.

Over the years, the event has grown into one of the most anticipated fixtures on the Kenyan golfing calendar, with the unique format of three-way competitive foursome’s match play—the only tournament of its kind in the world.

“Unlike other golf events, the Tannahill Shield is played by teams, instead of individuals, of amateur golfers from various clubs who are keen to showcase their golfing skills and team spirit whilst enjoying the company of other competing golfers,” adds Mastamet.

“We have been in contact with all participating teams, and they are all excited and training hard so that they can win this coveted trophy,’’ Royal Nairobi Golf Club is the current reigning Champion have won Tannahill 2024. added the captain.

The participating clubs this year are Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Mombasa Golf Club, Muthaiga Golf Club, Western Kenya, Limuru Country Club, Vet Lab Sports Club, Kenya Railways Golf Club, Sigona Golf Club and Windsor Golf & Country Club.

The centenary edition will also see the return of the Tannahill Seniors Trophy for the third year in a row, to be played earlier on in the week. Open to golfers over the age of 55, the senior competition continues to grow, providing a platform for seasoned golfers to showcase their skills. Muthaiga Golf Club won the previous two editions

In addition, the Junior Easter Tournament will once again be part of the event, taking place on Easter Monday. Young golfers from various clubs in Kenya will compete, reflecting the tournament’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of golfing talent.

This year’s eventbid sponsored by Jamii telecom, East African Breweries Ltd (EABL)/Kenya Breweries Ltd (KBL), Jibu Water, Nestlé. Isuzu East Africa Limited  KenGen PLC,  Kenya Pipeline Company, Sanlam General Insurance. Sanlam Investments East Africam,  Sanlam Life Kenya. Crown Paints,  Kenya Airports Authority,  CFAO. IPSEA and Optiven Limited. 

With a rich legacy spanning 100 years, the Tannahill Shield remains a beacon of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and golfing excellence. This year’s centenary tournament promises to be a spectacular celebration, uniting golf enthusiasts, sponsors, and supporters in a historic showcase of talent and tradition.

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