In Nakuru Golf Club (NGC), a profound commitment to the future of golf beats steadily.
It is not just about memberships and tournaments; it’s about something more impactful to our future golfers, something that resonates with the essence of the sport. The Nakuru Golf Club, in collaboration with the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF), has embarked on a journey to cultivate young talent, turning them into being the elite golfers of tomorrow.
The Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) was established by the Kenya Golf Union and Kenya Ladies Golf Union, with a clear vision in mind: to foster a love for golf among the youth, from a tender age, into adulthood as they turn twenty-one. This initiative, backed by passionate individuals and key stakeholders is set to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of junior golfing in Kenya.
On Sept 9, 2022, an announcement resounded through the golfing community: The Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) had been named as one of the beneficiaries of a generous donation. One container, brimming with golf balls, was gifted by none other than the prestigious Dubai Port World (DP World) during the DP Tour. This benevolent gesture arrived at a pivotal moment, as the JGF club sets its sights on extending the reach of junior golf across the newest city in Kenya, Nakuru County.
President Regina Gachora, the first female president since 1997 of the Junior Golf Foundation, expressed her gratitude for this invaluable contribution. She emphasized that this gift would open doors for less privileged children, granting them access to a sport that transcends mere recreation, offering life-changing opportunities.
Save Your Sunday Afternoons
The significance of NGC’s endeavor goes far beyond the pristine greens and carefully manicured fairways.
Every Sunday afternoon, the club hosts Golf Clinics tailored for juniors, a program that has already seen remarkable success.
It is a testament to the dedication of Nakuru Golf Club and its members that these clinics come at no cost to parents or guardians. To further sweeten the experience, NGC goes the extra mile by ensuring that every junior gets a hearty lunch, thanks to a rotation of NGC member’s sponsorships.
The commitment doesn’t stop at practical training. In a forward-thinking move, NGC is now imparting theory to the junior golfers, a dimension that was previously absent. This holistic approach ensures that the young learners not only master the techniques of the game but also grasp the underlying principles and strategies.
To oversee this dynamic program, NGC has established a Member’s Committee headed by madam Sarah Ainley, who was appointed Junior Convener – a veteran golfer and senior member of Nakuru Golf Club. The committee is armed with well-defined policies to manage and nurture the junior golfing talents at the club. This committee serves as the backbone, ensuring that every junior receives the attention and guidance they need to blossom into skilled golfers.
Golf Is Not Just a Sport. Here’s Why…
Beyond the greens, NGC and the JGF have recognized that golf is not just a sport. It’s a gateway to a world of opportunities, particularly for those who exhibit exceptional talent. Through partnerships with key sponsors and organizations, NGC has fostered scholarships for promising juniors, enabling them to pursue their studies overseas.
NGC beams with pride as it showcases its roster of junior golfing champions. Among them is 12-year-old P.eter Gathogo, affectionately known as ‘Junior’, who is recognized for his outstanding golfing skills. Peter won the Nation Classic golf series in Nakuru in 2022 and has even received sponsorship to witness the pinnacle of golfing excellence in Dubai. Alongside him, Arav and the thirteen-year-old Samantha have etched their names in the annals of NGC’s junior golfing history, and victoriously participate in junior golf tournaments.
The enthusiasm for golf among young aspirants is on an upswing. The ultimate goal is to have these young talents transition into the Junior Golf Foundation program, setting the stage for a professional golfing career.
The expert coaches entrusted with shaping these young talents are none other than Shem Orwenyo and Collins Kipkurui. Both are certified by the esteemed US Kids Golf, an organization renowned for its dedication to teaching junior golf.
US Kids Golf, a U.S. based curriculum for teaching junior golf, introduced in Kenya by the Junior Golf Foundation; whose representative in the Central Rift Region is one Nancy Steinman, a senior member of Nakuru Golf Club. Nancy has particularly changed the lives of unprivileged kids through golf by sponsoring the Ngala School for the deaf to practice and play golf and some of the kids have performed very well in tournaments.
This comprehensive program ensures a common program that kids across the Country can use and coaches can follow. It has proven instrumental in nurturing the passion for golf in the hearts of young Kenyans. Aspiring junior golfers can join the JGF for a nominal annual fee of Kes. 1,000/-. This grants them access to golf courses in over 30 NGC affiliate golf clubs in Kenya and overseas, extending up to the age of 21 years.
As a JGF member, the juniors enjoy a natural transition to full membership at the Nakuru Golf Club at no additional costs. JGF membership opens doors to a world of opportunities!
Join The Vision
The vision behind this initiative is grand yet simple: to provide a common platform for kids across the Nation.
Golf, as a sport, offers more than physical benefits. It also nurtures the body and mind, instilling values of discipline, focus, and resilience among the junior golfers. As dusk sets at Nakuru Golf Club, it paints a portrait of unity, determination, and a bright future for the young generation.
As we stand on the threshold of Nakuru Golf Club’s 100th-year anniversary, we invite all golf enthusiasts and stakeholders to these four days of grand celebrations. Alongside centennial tournaments, a themed gala dinner awaits, promising to captivate both the young and old with the climax being the Sunday family fun-day that will see us enjoy a junior tournament as the young ones showcase their prowess on the scenic greens of Nakuru Golf Club.
See you at the Greens!
Have you seen this? –Junior Golfing at NGC( Video)
For inquiries contact +254 717907790 or email connect@naxcity.co.ke.
