NAIROBI, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Malawi has asked Kenya to consider its professionals golfers for the Safari Tour Golf series, which is a buildup series for the Kenya Open golf tournament, part of the European tour.

Malawi Professional Golfers Association President Patridge Shycal said here Friday that his country is committed to developing the sport by sending its players to participate in various events in the continent.

"We know the Kenya Open is now a European Tour event and it may not be easy for a Malawian pro to be invited to play. We are however very keen to collaborate with the organizers of Safari Tour to have our players gain experience there," Shycal said.

The move, he said, will benefit both Kenya and Malawi players.

Malawi is still at the crawling stage in golf development in Africa and wants to use Kenya courses as a springboard for its professional golfers.

The country hosted the first Malawi Open last November, which was the first ever open pro event in the southern Africa state.

Currently, the Safari Tour invites players from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania only.

Shycal said he hopes Africa will soon have a lucrative and big professional tour, which can accommodate all elite golfers from the continent.

Sports Kenya chairman Fred Muteti said he is keen to work with his colleagues from Malawi to develop the sport.

"Sports demand funding and we need to explore ways to get sponsorship in golf," said Muteti. Enditem