Golf is a gentleman’s sport. This is because it is tradition for players to be respectful to each other while competing and shake hands before and after the game. It is an expectation that all golfers take care of the field and ensure everyone follows the rules. Fan culture also demands respect and discipline from golfing fans. If you are a Kenyan who fits into this culture and loves golf I’m sure you’ve wondered which are the Top 10 Golf Courses in Kenya and where your favourite golf course ranks. So I’ve made this list for you.
1. Vipingo Ridge Golf Course
A par 72, 18-hole championship course set high on the ridge with dramatic coastal views, this is truly one of the finest courses in the region. Many people consider Vipingo Ridge to be the best golf course in Africa. This is the first and only PGA Approved Golf course in Africa. Which is an honour they wear with pride. The golf course also has a PGA Academy which uses advanced technology such as the Foresight GCQuad Launch Monitor to help train golfers of all ages.
2. Muthaiga Golf Club
Situated in Nairobi, this prestigious Golf Club plays host to the biggest golf tournament in East Africa, The Kenya Open. The 18-hole golf course designed by Peter Matkovich is arguably the most challenging in the region with the fastest greens. Muthaiga Golf Club’s location inside one of Africa’s most expensive and exclusive estates has ensured it has a steady supply of wealthy clientele including presidents. The wealthy club members have ensured the golf club has the financial might to hire the best-trained staff to maintain the golf course at a high standard.
3. Karen Country Club
Located in Nairobi’s most expensive estate this family-oriented golf club sits on the former coffee estate developed by the Danish pioneer Karen Blixen, whose life was depicted in the film `Out of Africa`. The 18 Hole golf course is built to PGA standards. And it sits in a serene environment with Ngong Hills as a backdrop. The golf course has played host to Kenya Opens multiple times. It is currently nominated at the World Golf Awards for a Best Golf Course Award.
4. Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club
Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club is located off Kiambu Rd in Nairobi, Ridgeways. Its convenient location makes it one of the most ideal places to enjoy your weekends playing golf. Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club was named the best golf hotel in Africa in the first 2014 Golf Travel Awards held in Portugal and appeared on CNN News among the top 10 city golf clubs in the world.
5. Limuru Country Club
This 18-hole golf course is located 30 minutes from Nairobi City. It is regarded as the most scenic golf course in Kenya. Since it has one of the best clubhouse veranda views in all of Africa. This is why it makes it to my Top 10 Golf Courses in Kenya list.
6. The Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort
Sitting on top of the Mau Escarpment this 18-hole golf course provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape including lakes and mountains. Wildlife is common in this resort with Flocks of Black-headed Oriole, Fischer’s Lovebirds and Egyptian geese sunning themselves on the greens without batting an eyelid at the golfers. There is rich birdlife on the course and true to Kenya’s reputation as the “birthplace of Safari” guests will even see a visiting zebra wandering across the fairways! The golf resort is famous for one of the longest holes in Kenya – the par 5 – 17th ‘signature’ at 598 metres (654 yards)!
7. Sigona Golf Club
Constructed in 1938, this picturesque golf course located in Kikuyu offers some of the most scenic fairways in Kenya. The golf club has an 18-hole golf course with a wide variety of fauna and flora.
8. Nyali Golf Club
If you want to golf along the Kenyan Coast then Nyali Golf Club is one of the best golf courses for that. Vervet monkeys, the club’s mascot, are common on the course. So be careful with your golf balls, which they like to steal. This golf clubs scenic location is why it makes it into my Top 10 Golf Courses in Kenya list.
10. Leisure Lodge Beach & Golf Resort
Located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, this 18-hole golf course is home to the Diani Beach Masters, the largest amateur event in Kenya. The beautiful views of the Indian Ocean make this one of the best resorts for a golf holiday. This is why it makes it into my “Top 10 Golf Courses in Kenya” list.
11. Thika Greens Golf Resort
Thika Greens Golf Resort is an 18-hole par 72 championship golf course sitting on 36 acres of a well-manicured grass landscape. It is located along Thika Road, 45 minutes from the Nairobi Central Business District. This Golf Resort has only been operational since 2014. However, it shows great potential hence making it into my Top 10 Golf Courses in Kenya list.
This sums up my Top 10 Golf Courses in Kenya list. Make sure you try them out the next time you want to play some golf.
I’m a 25-year-old adrenaline junkie from Nairobi. I love travelling, attending music festivals and hiking. You can always find me at K1 Klub House playing pool and enjoying a drink with my friends.
