Amidst the radiant echoes of the 2023 Centenary celebration, Nakuru Golf Club stood triumphant, having orchestrated an event that not only crowned 2023 with historic significance, but also paved
the way for the future of golf in Nakuru County.
Hosted at the formidable Nakuru Golf Club with its challenging par 73 course, the event drew more than 200 avid golfers and notable personalities including Finance CS Prof Njuguna Ndungu, Water CS Zack Njeru, and Kenya Golf Union (KGU) chairman Philip Ochola.
In thrilling strokes for victory, former NGC caddie – Gentar Nabwire clinched the top spot with a remarkable performance. Playing off a handicap of 23, she delivered an impeccable round, accumulating an impressive 43 points. Her outstanding display not only secured her the title of the overall winner but also earned her the spotlight in the presence of esteemed guests of honour and Nakuru Golf Club chairman, Mr. Mandeep Sahota.
Nabwire’s impressive round included a series of pars, strategically outplaying her more experienced competitor, Javan Muriithi, by a single point. Muriithi, with a handicap of 10, had initially carded 42 points, seemingly securing victory until Nabwire’s outstanding performance shifted the narrative.
Notable Performances
- Overall winner – Gentar Nabwire with 43 stable ford points.
- 1 st Runners Up – Javan Muriithi with 42 stable ford points.
- 2 nd Runners Up – Ken Biegon with 40 stable ford points.
- Man Winner – Mandeep Jajuha with 40 stable ford points.
- Lady Winner – Margaret Wanjiru with 38 stable ford points.
- Senior Winner – MS Malik with 34 stable ford points.
- Junior Winner – Mark Karanja with 39 stable ford points.
- Gross Winner – Cyrus Lwenyi.
- Gross Runners Up – John Kamais with 35 stable ford points.
- Guest Winner – Simon Mbote with 36 stable ford points.
Centenary Event Tournaments
In celebrating a century of golfing excellence at Nakuru Golf Club, a series of tournaments unfolded, each with a purpose of raising funds for development projects crucial to the club’s future.
The sequence included:
- Chairmen’s, Captains, and Lady Captains Tournaments on Thursday, 23 rd November
- The Medal Tournament on Friday, 24 th November
- Centennial Tournaments & Themed Gala Dinner on Saturday, 25 th November
100 Years of Excellence
Golf, as a sport, has a unique power to unite communities. The 2023 centenary celebration saw Nakuru Golf Club showcase its commitment to this ethos. Engaging corporates, public and private sectors, and individuals as exhibitors and sponsors, the club was steadfast in fostering collaborations that will echo into the future.
As the events unfolded, local TV stations couldn’t resist the essence of the celebration, providing media coverage that not only enhanced NGC’s visibility but also delivered significant PR value to stakeholders. What’s more, the in-house production crew live-streamed the event on their social media platforms, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for a broad audience.
The Club’s Captain – Mathew Maiyo, honoured with the prestigious Piga Mingi title, extended heartfelt gratitude to the 202 participating golfers. In expressing his appreciation, he underscored the event’s success and emphasized the bright prospects for golf in Nakuru and the entire Country.
Club Captain Mathew Maiyo
“I salute all those who made the event a success. The future of golf in Nakuru and Kenya is on an upward trajectory. I am happy to serve and assist in shaping it in the best way possible.”
The KGU Chairman Mr. Ochola also took a moment to pay tribute to the remarkable contributors of the Club, including the legendary Sarah Ainley, Kirti Morjaria, Richard Ainley, Esther Karuga, Steve Kihumba, and Nancy Steinman, acknowledging their significant impact on the golfing community.
Shaping the Next Century of Golfing Excellence
Water Cabinet Secretary Zack Njeru, a member of the Nakuru Golf Club, pledged support for the Club’s water development agenda of sinking and equipping solar-powered boreholes. He emphasized the commitment to ensuring the Club receives an adequate water supply, benefitting both its members and the surrounding community.
The Centenary celebration was a significant milestone towards ground-breaking of the much anticipated developments that signal a transformative era for the Club’s infrastructure which include; Erecting course washrooms, construction of guest cottages and juniors’ club-house, introducing a private members’ car wash, street light installation at the car park and upgrading the caddies’ holding bay as well as ladies cloakrooms. Such facelift will surely benefit members and visiting golfers to Nakuru Golf Club, and in-turn promote golf tourism in Nakuru County.
Centenary Commemorations
As the sun dipped below the horizon on the eve of November 25 th , Nakuru Golf Club witnessed a congregation of its esteemed members, guests, and partners for a resplendent Black & Gold themed gala dinner. The night unfolded with a timeless champagne toast and cocktails, resonating with the clinking of glasses and laughter.
The grand finale illuminated the sky with a breath-taking fireworks display, casting a brilliant glow over the festivities. This enchanting evening, steeped in elegance and jubilation, has etched its indelible mark in the annals of the club’s storied history, embodying the essence of Nakuru Golf Club’s centennial celebration and signalling a future adorned with the echoes of this extraordinary night.
Nakuru Golf Club extends gratitude to the entire management committee and its members for the support and efforts accorded to making the Centenary a reality. In addition, the partners whom in their respective capacities extended their services to pulling off the unforgettable events, namely Simulia Events Ltd, NaxCity Kenya and Fana Studios.
Here’s to a Century gone by and to the limitless possibilities of the golfing journey ahead!
To those eager to relive the magic, Nakuru Golf Club welcomes you to explore more partnerships towards the realization of the Club’s full potential and equally invites more members to join the Club.
Contact NGC management on +254 704 231 641 or email info@nakurugolfclub.co.ke.
Nelson Mandela.
“True competition is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it, for in the face of challenge,
greatness is born.”
