Golf in Nakuru started in 1923 and has never stopped. We have come of age!
Situated on the slopes of the dormant volcano – Menengai Crater, with a stunning view of Nakuru town and Lake Nakuru National Park, Nakuru Golf Club is nestled in the leafy suburb of Nakuru’s Milimani Estate in Nakuru East Constituency. The Club sprawls across 290 acres with 18 luscious greens; priding itself as the sole 18-green Golf Course in Nakuru County. It was in 1929 that the inaugural Dunlop 65 ball danced across the course, kissed by the deft swing of Lord Francis Scott making it a must play heritage for anyone visiting the area!
N.G.C History in the making
Golf in Nakuru dates back in 1923 when a golf course was set up on the Lake side of the town. This land was absorbed by the Rift Valley Sports Club; but due to the rapid development of the area, the lease on the land was not renewed and arrangements were made for acquisition of an alternative land. The present terrain was found, and the 9-holes course was opened in 1929 by Lord Francis Scott, a very prominent land owner in the Rift Valley. The second nine was laid out and completed six years later in 1935, when the club hosted the Kenya Amateur Championship of that year for the very first time and conversion from the old browns to the lush greens begun in the early 1950’s through the help of the Muthaiga professional, Alec Kinnell.
Upon being separated from Nakuru Sports Club as a golf section, Nakuru Golf Club was registered by the Registrar of Societies Mr. David John Coward on the 11th of January 1958 (Registration number SOC 1224).
The land is registered under Nakuru Golf Club and held by Trustee’s. Currently it is in trust of Mr. Ramesh Khagran, Ramesh Thakkar and Samuel Kanyoro. These Golf enthusiastic breathed life into Nakuru Golf Club, which to-date stands as a premier up-country Club.
Over time, visionary leaders have left an indelible mark on the Club’s journey. Their names are etched on the annals wall of history, a testament to the relentless drive that propels this club ever forward.
Annual Tournaments Held at Nakuru Golf Club
(Courtesy-Clem Ndungu)
Nakuru Golf Club has hosted several renowned tournament spanning across the decades. The Club continues to champion these events bearing witness to countless triumphs. Each year, Nakuru Golf Club comes alive with events that resonate with golf enthusiasts. Many Kenya Golf Union events have been held at the Club including the Kenya Amateur Championship. The most prestigious event at Nakuru is the Coronation Trophy, exclusively labelled to Nakuru County, which was setup in 1937 by the Club to celebrate the coronation of King George VI. initially played over 72-holes and open to both amateurs and professionals. The Coronation Trophy was then regarded as the Open Golf Championship of Kenya before the Kenya Open started in 1967 and currently plays over three rounds of 54-holes.
The other important event in the club is the John Stanning Cup presented in 1932 by the wife of settler John Stanning in memory of her late husband during the Bendor Trophy tournament, which was the main event at Gilgil Country Club, played over two rounds of now 36-holes.
Other annual events held at Nakuru Golf Club include:
- The Inter-Regional Junior Golf Foundation Tournament – Affiliated to the Kenya Golf Union and hosted by Nakuru Golf Club through sponsors.
- The Jamhuri Day Golf Tournament – Launched in 2021 by Nakuru Golf Club and sponsored by THE BANDA BOYS (members of NGC)
- Ladies Open – A GOTY event held every September affiliated to the Kenya Ladies Golf Union, a testament to the Club’s inclusivity and dynamism.
- Weekend Corporate Sponsored Tournaments coupled with family activities.
- The Lent Golf Day – Sponsored by Nakuru Catholic diocese held before Easter, and The Resurrection Golf Day right after Easter that was started in 2014 by the former Captain Mr. Stephen Kihumba, where the Protestant Church clergy is invited to preside the occasion with Choir celebrations.
- Membership Drives – Welcoming event for new members, both juniors and seniors.
NGC has seen a surge in new memberships; with a remarkable 95% annual subscription in the past 24 months.
Other notable Award Events include: Craigs Trophy, Mixed Foursome, Four Balls and the historic All Captains Price championed by Mr. Kihumba.
| Eldoret Club | Makuyu Golf Club | Ruiru Golf Club |
| Kakamega Golf Club | Malindi Golf Club | Sigona Golf Club |
| Kenya Air Force Golf Club | Mombasa Golf Club | Thika Sports Club |
| Kenya Railways Club | Naivasha Sports Club | Vetlab Golf Club |
| Kericho Club | Nandi Bears Club | Uganda Golf Club |
| Kiambu Golf Club | Nanyuki Golf Club | Moshi Club (TZ) |
| Kisii Golf Club | Nyahururu Golf Club | Dar es Salaam Gymkhana(TZ) |
| Kitale Golf Club | Nyanza Golf Club | Mauritius Club |
| Limuru Country Club | Nyeri Golf Club | Seychelles Club |
| Machakos Golf Club | Royal Nairobi Golf Club |
The milestones achieved echo the pride of Nakuru Golf Club, etched into the hearts of its devoted members. Starting with the modern concrete access road stretching from the main road to the Club, the borehole that now supplements irrigation of the greens, to the upgrade and rehabilitation of the Club-House made possible from 2019 Chaired by the immediate past Chairman Mr. Stephen Kiumba, and the current sitting Chairperson Mr. Mandeep Sahota in collaboration with the management team.
Looking forward, Nakuru Golf Club envisions a future steeped in sustainability, adopting to solar power lighting, and nurtured by eco-friendly resources, forging a path towards a greener tomorrow.
Now, as we stand at the brink of history, the Club readies to celebrate its centennial, a monumental four-day extravaganza from the 23rd to the 26th of November. It promises to be a journey through time, an ode to the indomitable spirit of Nakuru Golf Club.
Catch all the details pertaining to the Centenary on our next blog!
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