THE GOLF COURSES OF KENYA
We have chosen 10 of the best golf courses in Kenya and given you a brief description on all of them.
(in alphabetical order)
Aberdare Country Club
Located just to the east of the Aberdare National Park, this is a very quaint 9-hole course. Set in a private fenced sanctuary with views to the west of the Aberdare Mountain Range and views to the east of Mount Kenya, a round is recommended. Although professionally designed by Fergus McCartney in the 1980’s it is not in the best of condition. However, it is a tight and fun course with obstacles such as giraffe, warthog, zebra and duiker. The bunkers are filled with sawdust making it more difficult than you would think. All these factors will make it a very memorable round.
Yardage: 2112 Altitude: 6000 ft Par: 33 Holes: 9
Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort
This championship course, designed by Kenya’s most accomplished golf course creator – Thomas Fjastad, is a must visit. Set in the Eburru hills on the north side of Lake Naivasha, the spectacular views across the lake to the inactive Longonot volcano rising up in the middle of the Rift Valley are next to no other course in the country. Interestingly there are not many bunkers, but with plenty of water, rocky flowerbeds and several doglegs scattered around it is certainly a challenge. Even telephone wires become an obstacle on a couple of holes, however if you do hit one you are permitted to replay your shot without incurring a penalty. You need to stay clear of the rough as it is punishing but if you stay on the fairway you are guaranteed a good lie. This is also the only course in the country where you are able to choose either a female or male caddy!
Yardage: 6580 Altitude: 6500 ft Par: 72 Holes: 18
Karen Country Club
Located in the Nairobi suburb of Karen, named after Baroness Karen von Blixen, this course is in fact built within her old coffee estate. With plenty of exotic and indigenous trees and an array of beautiful flowering shrubs fringing the fairways, this is one of the loveliest courses in Kenya. It makes up for the lack of water hazards with bunkers strewn tactfully around the greens. Wild animals such as duiker and bushpig inhabit the scrub on the course, even leopard have been known to visit occasionally. A wetland project has been set up in the centre of the course attracting a host of birdlife including a resident fish eagle. You cannot fail to enjoy your round of golf here.
Yardage: 6950 Altitude: 5800 ft Par: 72 Holes: 18
Leisure Lodge
Set in Diani on the Kenyan coast, this is one of the newest courses in Kenya. The course fits in perfectly with the surrounding palm trees that feed several species of monkey. Although not a links course the wind plays a major factor. As for bunkers there are 85 strategically positioned around the course and with a large water feature on two holes this is not an easy course by any means. The grass for the fairways, greens and tees was imported from the US creating some superb turf making it home to the Diani Beach Masters that attracts numerous foreign and domestic players. It is worth noting that due to the humidity it is advisable to play either early morning or evening to really get the most from your game.
Yardage: 6457 Altitude: Sea Level Par: 72 Holes: 18
Limuru Country Club
Set in the outskirts of Nairobi, the course has a very attractive layout with views extending beyond the city. At this height the morning dew ensures that the course is always lush but the many undulating fairways require accurate and controlled strokeplay. Water comes into play on the Par 5 3rd hole and local knowledge indicates that on most greens the putting line tends towards the lake. The racecourse that once ran through the centre of the course is out of bounds. Tea plantations and horticultural development surround the course providing a very rural setting to your round of golf.
Yardage: 6519 Altitude: 7000 ft Par: 71 Holes: 18
Mount Kenya Safari Club
Located on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya, this course is a little gem. A pitch and putt course that offers everything in adventure – trout dams, mountain streams, harsh bunkers, picturesque views, superb flowers, beautiful trees, colourful shrubs and, of course, lots of fun. There is also certainly no shortage of birdlife. Accuracy is the key to this course. If you wander slightly the repercussions are severe. The main challenge is to try and end your game with the same number of balls in your bag that you started with!
Yardage: 1680 Altitude: 7500 ft Par: 27 Holes: 9
Muthaiga Golf Club
Situated in Nairobi in the suburb of Muthaiga, this course was built and opened in 1914. Substantial recent development provides a great challenge. Over the years it has hosted the Kenya Open Golf Championship and as part of the European PGA has attracted many well-known golfers including Severiano Ballesteros, Vijay Singh and more recently Trevor Immelman. The fairways are tight and lined on both sides with enormous trees catching any wayward shots. Water does come into play on numerous holes, your teeshot on the 9th being especially daunting. Undoubtedly a golf course of the highest standard.
Yardage: 6676 Altitude: 5600 ft Par: 71 Holes: 18
Sigona Golf Club
Constructed out of a wattle plantation, belts of trees divide the fairways from one another. Considered by many to be one of the most difficult courses in Kenya. Immaculately maintained many famous golfers such as Walter Hagen and Dai Rees have played the course. The long hitter will benefit as the lush fairways allow minimal run. Although slightly tiring you will finish saying it was worth it, even more so if you have a good score!
Yardage: 6519 Altitude: 6600 ft Par: 71 Holes: 18
Vet Lab Golf Club
Adjacent to the Veterinary Research Station on the outskirts of Nairobi, this attractive 9-hole golf course is surrounded by coffee plantations. There are also many indigenous and exotic flowering trees such as the beautiful Nandi Flame and the Jacaranda. A quiet setting with narrow fairways and several doglegs to contend with. A worthwhile visit.
Yardage: 3200 Altitude: 6000 ft Par: 36 Holes: 9
Windsor Golf and Country Club
Situated just outside Nairobi, this really is a difficult course. An introduction to Kenya’s prime Arabica coffee growing area. Water plays a big role on this course; there is a river that runs by the northern boundary and there are several island greens requiring a lot of precision. It also lays claim to one of the longest holes in Africa – the Par 5 5th measuring 640 yards. A par here would be a great achievement. The course plays home to several troops of monkeys who have been known to pick up players’ golf balls – rules of golf would apply! The Windsor golf course is demanding but interesting.
