PROFESSIONAL Golfers Association of Tanzania (PGAT) has requested at least two slots for local pros at this year's Barclays Kenya Open that is scheduled to tee off from February 13th - 17th at the Karen Golf & Country Club, Nairobi.

The tournament that is usually staged at Muthaiga Golf Club will see a venue shift to Karen Golf and Country Club, which has also played host to this tournament on a previous occasion. PGAT Chairman Ali Ismail told the 'Sunday News' yesterday that, usually the country is allocated with one slot at the event, but now they see the need for more golfers to be given an opportunity to play at the tournament.

"We asked the organisers to give us more slots; we need many local pros as possible to go there and get experience," he said, adding that they are still waiting for a response from Kenyan event organizing committee. Ismail said they will meet with all local professionals in order to pick prominent representative to the high profile event.

While Tanzania waits for at lest two slots, the host Kenya this year will witness 22 local professionals battling for the top honours. Last year Kenya was represented by 20 golfers. The Professional Golfers of Kenya Chairman, Riz Charania told Kenyan newspapers that:

"We are happy the number of local professionals for the Open has increased from 20 last year to 22. The decision to increase the number of locals in the continent's premier event was a step in the right direction."

The tournament will once again attract players from around the globe; with competitors expected from the East Africa region, Africa and Europe, the Americas and Asia. Barclays Kenya Open draws players and spectators from around the region and has had the privilege of showcasing the skills of famous players in years past.

The four-day 72 holes event kicks off on February 13th with the Pro-Am, attracting approximately 150 players. Tanzania amateurs have also been invited to take part in the 2013 Kenya Open Pro-Am golf tournament.

The Pro-Am event is scheduled to tee off a day before the main event. According to the invitation letter that has been posted at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club (DGC), the Pro-Am event is meant to support the Kenya Open. The deadline for those wishing to take part in the Pro-Am is February 8.

"The tournament provide an opportunity for company & individual to support the Kenya Open by participating in an enjoyable event. There are a number of places available to all golfers in the event," said the letter.