KGU to mark 90 years in 2018

The Kenya Golf Union (KGU), the body that controls amateur golf in the country, will mark 90 years of existence in 2018.

And as part of the many activities the union is embarking on to celebrate the union’s anniversary, the KGU committee has started gathering material in an effort to compile the history of the game of golf in Kenya.

Historically, the game of golf in Kenya started way back in 1900 with the Nairobi Golf Club now known as Royal Nairobi Golf Club being one of the earliest constructed course was back in 1906 followed by the Mombasa Golf Club in 1911.

It was however until in 1928 when the union (KGU), was started during a meeting of club captains from Muthaiga, Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Kiambu, Kitale, Gilgil and Eldoret whose teams were participating in that year’s (1928) Eastern Tournament now commonly known as Tannahill Shield.

The union’s current chairman Richard Wanjalla said his committee would like to create a library that will have the history of the game of golf in the country. Wanjalla said it is important for Kenyans to know how the game started in the country as the union strives to develop and spread the game country-wide.

He is inviting golfers and non-golfers, who may have any historical material of golf in Kenya or any information regarding the starting of the game in the country, to come forward and either donate material or give information to the Union.

“We are aware that there could be persons out there who may hold photographs or write-ups of golf in Kenya,” stated the KGU chair.

“The material could also be historic golf clubs like the old hickory shafted clubs used before the advent of steel shafts,” said Wanjalla, adding that that material can be dropped at the KGU offices at Muthaiga Golf Club during office hours while those unable to so can contact the union offices on 0722433723.

“While we are trying to demystify the game of golf, it is important for Kenyans to understand its background and know where it all begun."

Meanwhile, four Kenyan amateur golfers are in Kampala along with 31 Kenyan professionals for the 2017 pro-edition of the annual Uganda Open golf championship which gets underway with the pro-am on Tuesday.

The four, Paul Muchangi of Limuru, Railway’s Samuel Njoroge, Edwin Mudanyi and Robinson Owiti were invited to play in the pro championship after making the top 10 in last week’s Uganda Open Amateur championship, where Muchangi finished third, beaten by home players Ronald Rugumayo and Ronald Otile by one shot while Njoroge was fourth.

A field of 150 players drawn from various African countries will be battling it out for over Sh7 million in the event that marks its 82nd anniversary. Usually the championship starts with the ladies edition held on September 7 at the same venue.