Kenya: The World's 10 Best Kept Golfing Secrets

By Robert Muhoho
History of Golf in Kenya
The history of golf in Kenya goes back a long way, with one club in Nairobi due to celebrate its centenary in 2006. Locally, the game is thriving as never before. Young and gifted Kenyan players are starting to compete internationally at the highest levels.
But it is only comparatively recently that Kenya as a nation has woken up to the fact that its magnificent golfing inheritance is, in fact, a valuable commodity that can and should be marketed overseas. What’s more, several of the country’s top courses have been refurbished or upgraded in recent times.
What Golfing in Kenya offers:
For the lovers of the game, Kenya offers:
• Un-crowded and mostly well maintained courses.
• Comparatively inexpensive green fees and associated playing costs.
• A perfect climate during Europe’s winter months.
• Hotel accommodation of a high standards that is also reasonably priced
• Frequent flights to Nairobi from Europe and the Far East.
• Manu excellent courses in and around Nairobi, at 100metres above sea level, but even more within two hours’ drive of the capital
1. Muthaiga Golf Club
Of the nation’s 40 or so courses, probably the best known is the Muthaiga Golf Club, home to the Kenya Open and founded in 1913. The course is popular with the locals at the weekends, but it is comparatively easy to play on weekdays. Muthaiga has recently undergone a major refurbishment to lengthen some holes and tighten other aspects of the course.
2. Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club
Other good courses in the Nairobi area are Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club and the Royal Nairobi. Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club is unique to Kenya. Set amid coffee plantations, it consists of a large luxury hotel overlooking its own golf course. The course itself has some of the trickiest holes in Kenya and is not for the faint heated or those a little wayward off the tee.
As such, Windsor is a stiff test for any golfer. There is plenty of water around, not to mention some blind greens, a do-or-die 14th hole and an 18th hole that is capable of wrecking any card.
Like Muthaiga, the Royal Nairobi Golf Club is a course with strong colonial ties. Establishes in 1906, this is Kenya’s oldest golf course.
3. Railway Golf Club
Along with the Railway Golf Club, it is located right in town. AT 6,600 meters off the back tees, the Royal Nairobi is a testing course. Both the club house and the course have been refurbished recently.
Slightly further from Nairobi, but certainly no less interesting, are courses such as Karen, Limuru and Sigona.
4. Karen Golf Club
The 6,630 meter Karen Golf Club, in the Ngong Hills, proved a worthy alternative venue for the 2004 Kenya Open. This is an admirably maintained course with a well connected membership, strong traditions, high standards and strict dress code.
5. Sigona Golf Club
About 40 minutes out of Nairobi, on the Nakuru Road, is the recently upgraded Sigona Golf Club. This course is greatly favoured by local players and enjoys a moderate climate. Its par-71, 6015 meter course is suitable for players of all levels and its fairways are among the best kept in Kenya.
6. Limuru Country Club
Located a similar distance from Nairobi is the par-71, 6,020 metre Limuru Country Club. At 2,330 meters, the Limuru is high above level and receives more rainfall than most other courses. Its greens and fairways are particularly lush, even in the dry season. This well maintained course is a delight to play, but at this altitude players may need a sweater for early morning and evening rounds.
7. The Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort
The Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort at Naivasha is about 2,150metres above sea level and consists of a par-72, 6,073 metre course with some of the best views in Kenya. This is not the toughest course in the country, but what it lacks in difficulty it more than makes up for by its sheer charm and beauty.
8. Many Other 9 and 18 hole Golf Courses near Nairobi
Apart from those already mentioned, there are nine-hole and 18-hole courses dotted all around the highland areas above Nairobi. Some are in excellent condition, while others probably require some improvement before it would be worth traveling long distances to play.
Golfing at the Kenyan Coast
On the coast, meanwhile, visitors can expect a tropical atmosphere in terms of climate and playing conditions. There is a choice of two fine courses, Leisure Golf Club and the Nyali Golf Club, with rumours of new courses to come in the area.
9. Leisure Golf Club in the Kenyan South Coast
The unforgiving Leisure Golf Club at Ukunda, on Mombasa’s South Coast, has tight fairways, good quality greens and is in good order thanks to some new grass-cutting equipment. The 6,084 metre course is open to non- hotel guests and visitors can expect a warm welcome at the club house.
10. Nyali Golf Club in the Kenyan North Coast
North of Mombasa, the Nyali Golf Club offers a more traditional set-up. This course is a fair test for any golfer, while the club house has a reputation for excellent food.
Better Winter Golfing in Kenya than in Mediterranean
Whatever course or courses you decide to play in Kenya, you are bound to be pleasantly surprised by what you find. In fact, compared with the Mediterranean in winter, there really is no contest.
Robert is a tour consultant and co-owner of Landmark Safaris Ltd in Kenya. Visit us to http://www.landmarksafaris.com/sports.php your Golf tour
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