The popularity of golf is evidenced by the increase in golf courses in Kenya and memberships in golf clubs. Our year-round good weather certainly creates a conducive environment for golfers, and as with the middle class steadily growing, we don’t expect the popularity of golf to dwindle anytime soon.
In Kenya, Golf was introduced during the colonial days. Back then, it was the reserve of the wealthy white settlers but has since evolved into an all-inclusive sport for those with the disposable income to afford it.
Golf is more of a mental sport than it is a physical one. It can be enjoyed by the whole family, and it is said that golfing can help teach your kids patience, controlling their emotions, critical thinking, grit, determination, and a host of other virtues.
These are the crème de la crème of golf courses in the country:
1. Vipingo Ridge
Kenya’s coastal region houses Africa’s first (and currently only) PGA-accredited golf course. The 18-hole championship golf course is located in the prestigious Vipingo Ridge, a 2500-acre development where golf lives, promising “a life of barefoot luxury and ease.”
Being a playhouse for the ultra-wealthy, you can expect to tee off and rub shoulders with the movers and shakers of Kenya while living in this opulent neighborhood.
2. Muthaiga golf club
One of the most prestigious and challenging golf courses in the region, Muthaiga Golf Club is an 18-hole championship golf course that is only 15 minutes away from Nairobi’s City Centre. Being quite close to the prestigious Muthaiga estate, it is frequented by some of the most powerful politicians and businesspeople in the country. So much so that the retired president, Mwai Kibaki, was a member of this esteemed golf club. It also hosts the biggest Kenyan golfing event- The Kenya Open.
3. Karen Country Club
Founded in 1937, Karen Country Club houses one of the oldest golf clubs in Kenya. It is a member of the Kenya Golf Union (K.G.U) and the Kenya Ladies Golf Union (K.L.G.U) and regularly sponsors golf events through its alliances with these unions.
Karen Country Club hosts the annual Kenyan Open in the European Challenge Tour. The course is superbly maintained with greens built to the Professional Golf Association (PGA) standards. It IS an 18-hole championship golf course.
4. Windsor golf club
Located in the leafy and serene Ridgeways area, Windsor Golf Club is an 18-hole championship golf course. It is also conveniently 20 minutes away from the CBD. It’s located at Kigwa road, ridgeways off Kiambu road, Nairobi.
5. Royal Golf Club Nairobi
Founded in 1906, it is the oldest golf course in Kenya. Royal Golf Club Nairobi started with nine holes but was expanded to 18 holes in the 1920s. It has different challenges in both nines, making the course championship-worthy.
Royal Golf Club Nairobi hosted the first East African Ladies’ championship in 1932.
6. Sigona Golf Club
It’s a 10-hole championship course located in Kikuyu which is 20 minutes away from the Nairobi CBD. It also hosts the Nairobi district league(NDC).
7. Limuru Golf Club
It was founded in 1926. It’s a championship course of 18 holes surrounding a horse racing track. The first nine holes opened in 1949 and the second nine holes opened in 1952. In addition to the golf course, the club consists of lawn bowls, tennis courts, a cricket pitch, squash courts, and a swimming pool. It is located 25 kilometers from Nairobi in the tranquil Limuru area.
8. The Great Rift Valley Lodge
It was opened in 2000. It’s an 18 hole championship golf course and one of the best of Kenya’s Golf resorts. Since it sits on top of the Mau escarpment, golfers can enjoy stunning views of Lake Naivasha, Mount Longonot, the Kinangop Range, and the Aberdare Mountains. The golf resort is famous for one of the longest holes in Kenya.
9. Nyali Golf and Country Club
It is an 18-hole golf course located in the North Coast following the design laid by a golfer named Mounty Lowry. The first 9 holes were constructed in 1956 with the other 9 completed in 1980. The club also boasts a prestigious restaurant specializing in Italian cuisine.
10. Leisure Golf Club
One of the best 18-hole championship golf courses in East Africa, Leisure Golf Club is located near the white sands of Diani beach on the southern coast. Golfers can tee off in the coastal breeze and enjoy serene views of the Indian ocean.
It hosts the Diani beach Masters every October.
Although the above golf clubs are thriving, there are, however, counties that do not have courses where this great sport can be played. Some may be due to underdevelopment while others such as Embu once had gold clubs but were tilled to accommodate farming. This happened at the verge of independence in a bid by the locals to get rid of “the white man’s sport”. During this time, courses also disappeared in Muranga, Meru, and sections of the North Eastern Province. Other counties lacking a golf course include:
- Baringo
- Tana River
- Homa bay
- Kisii
- Garissa
- Vihiga
- Nyamira
- Bomet
There are, however, some public golf courses in Kenya including the Ngong Racecourse which is Kenya’s only pay and play golf courses in Kenya. An upcoming one at Kasarani Stadium also shows a lot of promise.
For beginners, it is not too difficult to get into the sport. There are some essentials one would need such as golf balls, beginner golf clubs, golf shoes, gloves, etc. You should start on a practice range before moving to the golf course and learn how to grip the club properly. You can also enlist the help of a trainer.
Some of the best golf players in Kenya are:
- Simon Ngige(ranked 1805 in the world)
- J Wangai(ranked 1820 in the world)
- Erik Ooko(ranked 1834 in the world)
- Riz Charania
- Kopan Timbe
- David Wakhu
- Jastas Madoa
- Mohit Mediratta
- Matthew Wahome
- Adel Balala
While formerly a reserve for the rich, golf is now more accessible than ever for the masses. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby or an excuse to leave the house on the weekends, you can always find friends and make new memories in the golf courses listed above.
