Picturesque par-72 Limuru Golf and Country Club came alive yesterday (and continues today) as it hosts the prestigious Chairman’s Prize, organised by Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Chairman David Ndungu.

The highly anticipated event in the local golfing calendar will not only treat participants to challenging fairways and stunning countryside views but also offer a bounty of prizes courtesy of various sponsors.

But beyond the greens and trophies, Ndungu’s tenure has seen the sport undergo a remarkable transformation.

Under his leadership the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) series has grown from 28 tournaments in 2024 to a record-breaking 31 events scheduled for 2025.

This expansion has drawn elite amateur talent from across the region, with players from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe gracing local courses.

Participation at the union’s Rules School has also surged, with five sessions already held this year, attracting 150 passionate learners.

Meanwhile, the KGU’s newly introduced High-Performance Program (HPP) is fast-tracking the development of young, gifted golfers to professional status.

The union has heavily invested in turf care as well.

A cohort of 10 course superintendents and greenkeepers recently earned global certification through the Africa Turf Academy in South Africa, a programme fully funded by KGU, the Royal and Ancient (R&A) and the academy itself.

Efforts to enhance coaching are also in full swing, with experienced and new coaches being integrated into national and HPP structures.

At the same time, the KGU is working hand in hand with the Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU), the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) and the Kenya Golf Federation (KGF) to shape a unified, stronger Golf Federation for the future.