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Kenya Golf Union Hosts 9th Edition of Captains Symposium

Nairobi, Kenya – March 22, 2024 – The Kenya Golf Union (KGU) successfully organized the 9th Edition of the Captains Symposium, held at the esteemed Muthaiga Golf Club. The event, which took place today, saw an impressive turnout of over 50 captains, vice-captains, lady captains, and vice-lady captains from various golf clubs across the country.

During the symposium, the esteemed Chairman of the Kenya Golf Union provided attendees with valuable insights into the mission, vision, and ongoing programs of the KGU and other Golf Bodies in Kenya. The session aimed to align the captains with the collective goals and strategies of the golfing community in the country.

In an effort to emphasize the importance of nurturing young talent in golf, Ms. Regina Gachora, President of the Junior Golf Foundation, addressed the attendees. Ms. Gachora highlighted the critical need for support towards junior golfers, advocating for dedicated platforms for training and mentorship. She emphasized the significance of providing qualified coaching to junior players, enabling them to qualify for the elite squad, from which national junior players are selected.

Furthermore, Tournament Director David Ndung’u, who also serves as the Chairman of the Kenya Union of Handicaps Committees (KUHC), delivered an informative session on committee procedures. He provided insights into the rules governing amateur status, the intricacies of handicapping, and the implementation of the World Handicapping System.

The symposium served as a pivotal platform for captains and officials to exchange ideas, share best practices, and enhance their knowledge of golf governance and development. The collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the Kenya Golf Union and its partners towards fostering the growth and excellence of golf in Kenya.

The R&A will for the first time host the Africa Amateur Championship, scheduled to take place from Wednesday, February 21st, to Saturday, February 24th, 2024, at Leopard Creek Country Club, South Africa.
The winner of this prestigious event will be awarded exemptions to The Amateur Championship 2024, The Open 2024, and the Alfred Dunhill Championship 2024. Runner(s)-up will secure exemptions to Final Qualifying for The Open 2024.
Concurrently, the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational will be held from Wednesday, February 21st, to Friday, February 23rd, 2024, also at Leopard Creek Country Club.
The Champion of the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational will earn an exemption to Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open 2024, along with invitations to The Investec South African Women’s Open 2024, Lalla Meryem Cup 2025, and the Magical Kenya Ladies Open 2025.
The R&A aims to attract the strongest fields for these landmark events, the Africa Amateur Championship and the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational. “These events mark a significant leap forward for amateur golf in Africa, providing a platform for the continent’s top talents to showcase their skills on an international stage.” Said David Ndung’u , Kenya Golf Union Vice Chairman/ Tournament Director
Eligibility Criteria:
To participate in the Africa Amateur Championship, players must hail from African countries affiliated with The R&A. They must be members of a golf club linked to the National Golf Association, authorized to adopt the World Handicap System™ (WHS™). Additionally, players must hold Amateur Status as per the current Rules of Amateur Status by R&A Rules Limited and the USGA. Eligible participants must possess a Handicap Index® not exceeding 5.4 at the entry date and be highly ranked within the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR®). They should also be eligible to represent their national team.
Qualifying Standards for Africa Amateur Championship:
The starting field will comprise 72 competitors, with spots allocated based on:
1. Top two players in WAGR® from each affiliated African country.
2. Top 3 players in the 2023 All Africa Junior Golf Teams Championship individual competition.
3. Up to 3 players currently in The R&A’s Africa High Performance Programme selected by the committee.
Remaining spots will be awarded based on WAGR® standings and Handicap Index®. A maximum of 8 players from any country (excluding the host) and 12 from the host country is set, with potential extensions at the Committee’s discretion.
Qualifying Standards for Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational:
The Invitational will feature 20 competitors, including the top three WAGR® players from each affiliated African country. Up to 3 players from The R&A’s Africa High Performance Programme may be selected at the Committee’s discretion. The remaining spots will be chosen by the Committee.
Caddies are not permitted during either event.
“The exemptions and opportunities provided to the winners underscore our goal of not only celebrating excellence but also facilitating the continued development of our golfing community.” Added David Ndung’u
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Naomi Wafula makes history as the first Lady to win in a Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series which was hosted by Kiambu Golf Club.
After four holes tie playoff with Godfrey Nsubuga, who is Uganda’s Best player,
they went into sudden death and played hole 18 FOUR times AND Naomi came out victorious!
Congratulations

Media link
https://nation.africa/kenya/sports/golf/lady-golfer-naomi-wafula-makes-history-at-kiambu-open-4438866