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The Chairman of Kenya Golf Union on 20th June 2020 lifted the ban on handicaps, running of organised competitions and reciprocation.

‘We would therefore like to reinstate handicaps in the country and allow competitions, as long as these are held with utmost care to avoid congregation of any kind. Clubs are advised to announce results of any competition using means that do not require golfers to congregate in the club house. Clubs are also now free to allow reciprocation or fourballs if they are able to do so while maintaining the same due care.’ Said Mr. Murage.

The use of caddies is still not allowed until such a time when the Ministry of Health shall advise. However the chairman noted that ball spotters are allowed on the course to help golfers locate their balls as long as they (don’t handle the golf balls, clubs or bags and maintain at least two club lengths away

To:      All Member Clubs

7th May 2020

GOLF IN KENYA UNDER COVID-19 GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS

We continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and the Government of Kenya directives that are meant to stop the spread of the disease. At the moment, playing of the game of golf in Kenya is still allowed as long as golfers strictly follow the set guidelines.

As a follow up to the notice that we sent out on the 8^th of April, we would like to extend the suspension of all handicaps in Kenya up to a time that the government shall lift the ban on congregating of 15 people or when we as the governing body of golf in Kenya lift the suspension. Until then, we would like to advise golfers to strictly observe social distancing and follow all the guidelines that have been issued by the government.

Each golf club needs to adapt procedures that will strictly abide with Government of Kenya directives. To this end we would like to advise clubs to consider adopting the following steps to help with compliance

1. Practice areas: to avoid gathering at the practice range or practice putting greens, identify how many golfers can safely use these facilities and ensuring the limit is observed. Clubs should also provide sanitisers for golfers using these areas.
2. Booking tee times: clubs should organise a system of booking and allocation of tee times to ensure that golfers don’t gather around the tee. The maximum number of golfers in a group per tee time should not exceed three and there is to be a minimum of 10-minute intervals between tee times.
3. Notices and reminders: clubs should place notices on tees reminding golfers to keep two meters apart on the teeing areas as well as throughout the round. The starters should also repeat the message to all golfers.
4. After the round: remind golfers to leave the course and club facilities after their round. This is more so for clubs that have not reopened their restaurants.

REOPENING OF RESTAURANTS IN GOLF CLUB HOUSES DURING THE PERIOD OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The Government of Kenya has recently announced that it shall allow restaurants to re-open under strict guidelines during this period of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic. We at the Kenya Golf Union have since sought some clarification on the same and have received the attached forms for use by clubs that wish to re-open their restaurants. All clubs have to make their own applications and follow up with the relevant government offices to get the necessary approvals.

Should a Golf Club get the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Health, then they shall be allowed to open and operate their restaurants under the set guidelines. For avoidance of doubt, all Golf Clubs that do not obtain the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Health must remain closed as per the notice from the Union dated 8^th April 2020.                                              

George Gathu                                                                       

  Honorary Secretary                

POSTPONEMENT OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL

Following the Government of Kenya’s directive on the 6 th of March this year banning gatherings of more than 15 people to help stop the spread of the dreaded COVID-19, it is currently not practicable to have the Annual General Meeting of the Governing Council, which, is required by our constitution, to have a quorum of 15. At a meeting held on the 30th of April this year, the Executive Committee resolved to postpone the Annual General Meeting of the Governing Council until such a time that the current restrictions shall be lifted. Dated this 1st Day of May 2020.

BY ORDER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

George Gathu

Honorary Secretary

LARRY NGALA IS NOW THE JUNIOR GOLF FOUNDATION PRESIDENT

Larry Ngala is the new boss of Junior Golf foundation. He takes over from Eng. Gitonga Kabera who has been the Junior Golf Foundation boss since 2016. During his appointment on 4^th March 2020, the KGU Chairman Mr Anthony Murage said “We have no doubt in our minds that under your leadership, Junior Golf Foundation shall continue to create an enabling environment for the sport to grow among our youth”

Mr. Ngala is a sports writer working with the Nation Media Group and doubles up as a trustee of the Junior Golf Foundation since 2018, His passion and dedication to junior golf is very well noticeable from his weekly golf articles where he fights for junior golfer’s inclusion and acceptance to clubs.

Since its inception, the foundation has been led by Eddie Njoroge from 1996-2000, Vishy Talwar from 2000 to 2005, David Mogere 2006-2009, Ashwin Gidoomal from 2009-2016 and Joselle Gitonga from 2016-2019.

He will lead a team 6 other trustees namely John Wachira, David Kihara, Shem Orwenyo, Mary Ang’awa, Nancy Ikinu and the newly appointed trustee Irene Auma. “ I will dedicate myself to work towards the grassroot golf development program that was started last year ensuring that golf reaches every corner of this country with the support with our regional representatives” Said Ngala.

The last event on the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Calendar will be taking place this weekend at Nyali Golf and Country Club.

The event has attracted over 60 participants. Being the last event, the Union will be awarding the top amateur player , Lowest Average gross Score and the club of the Year. Last year Vet Lab Sports Club won the Club of the year trophy, Denis Saikwa won the Lowest Average Gross Score and Samuel Njoroge won the 2019 Top Amateur Trophy.

it is also important to note that Nyali Golf and Country Club will be celebrating 60 years since its establishment .

All the best to the players