Golf is gradually shedding its image as a game for the elite in Kenya, and slowly becoming more popular with a wider section of the population gaining interest. The recently concluded Magical Kenya Open was evidence of this growing interest, as thousands of locals showed up to watch and have a firsthand experience of the game and attempt to understand its popularity.
Despite this growing interest, golf remains an expensive affair for most Kenyans, with the key challenges being affordability and access. There are fewer than 50 golf courses in the country, meaning that demand is way higher than supply, making it too competitive and pricey. Membership at some of the elite-level clubs goes as high as Ksh 1 million in fees, making golf one of the more expensive sports to play in Kenya. While these fees are partially the result of expensive maintenance costs such as course upkeep, staff, and facilities, the limited number of facilities creates exclusivity and limits participation by more people.
Organizations like NCBA Bank with a keen eye on sports have recognized the risk of golf becoming inaccessible to young people who are the futuer of the game, and in this case, NCBA has partnered with the Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) to bridge the gap. This partnership has been instrumental in growing the sport among the youth through mentorship programs and access to competitive environments through the NCBA Junior Golf Series.
Through a partnership such as with NCBA, Junior Golf Foundation plays a key role in discovering and nurturing new talent, training, and teaching the discipline that goes hand in hand with golf. NCBA further assists by funding tournaments and competitions that provide budding golfers with the chance to put their ability into practice and build confidence.
With structured tournaments, the young golfers have been enabled to build character and open doors that they would have otherwise never been able to open. Young players are not only developing world-class skills but also gaining the exposure needed to pursue international scholarships and opportunities. Most importantly, the partnership has greatly promoted inclusiveness in the sport by supporting players from diverse backgrounds.
The return on investment for NCBA from supporting amateur golf is already paying off. Mike Karanga, for instance, has dominated the local amateur golf scene, won several championships, and earned himself a reputation as one of the best golfers in the country. His international exposure, facilitated through sponsorships, has helped him gain precious exposure and experience, bringing him a step closer to his dream of going pro.
Similarly, John Lejirma has demonstrated determination and ability, proof that with enough motivation, golfers from Kenya can compete in the highest classes. Success not only gives a boost to their own career but also encourages the next group of golfers who would like to follow in their footsteps.
As the players continue to shine on the global stage, NCBA’s position as a key driver of their achievement will be an example of what is possible through strategic investment in sport.
The 2025 NCBA Junior Golf Series is underway, attracting junior golfers from across Kenya and beyond. The series comprises 48 events distributed throughout the year, providing juniors with adequate opportunities to compete and earn World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.
The partnership of NCBA with the Junior Golf Foundation is an example for other institutions to follow in investing in grassroots development of sports. With sustained investment and infrastructure, Kenya will be a force to reckon with in the world of golf as it churns out champions who will take on the international scene and inspire generations to come.
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