Highs and Lows of 2023 from Kenya's top golfer Naomi Wafula
Life as a sportsperson is full of highs and lows as players navigate competitive form, dizzying heights of successful results and the challenges of making your talent and passion your career.
Vipingo Ridge is honoured to be among the sponsors and supporters of Naomi Wafula, recognised as the number one women’s golfer in Kenya. Kenyan Naomi is originally from Kitali, where her family are still living. Naomi is based at the Vipingo Ridge PGA Baobab Course, living in Vipingo, Kilifi and between travel to tournaments and training camps, she gives lessons as a US Kids Coach and is a key member of the Vipingo Ridge golf team. Of course she primarily trains, practices and she is focussed on developing her career, navigating gathering points for qualifications and international opportunities.
2023 was quite the year for Naomi Wafula
Last year was a particularly notable year for Naomi, making Kenya and golf history (twice) as well as challenging times changing her coaching team. We caught up with her to hear in her own words about 2023 and to hear her plans and thoughts for the coming season:
My achievements and low moments in 2023
2023 Achievements
1. On 2nd - 5th February 2023, I made history at Vipingo Ridge being the first Kenyan to ever make cut in a Ladies European Tour event. The event was Magical Kenya Ladies Open 2023. I finished position 56 out of 96.
2. I played 3 Ladies European Tour events and 4 Ladies European Tour Access series events in Europe and UK from June to August 2023.
3. I modelled for ECCO in Greece and my story featured on Golfpunks magazine November issue.
4. I had 5 top 10 finishes in the Kenya Golf Union events. (Men’s events)
5. In November 2023 I made history at Kiambu Golf Club, being the first lady ever to win a Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Men’s event and take home the top prize.
6. Working with top coaches from Germany and South Africa.
2023 lowest moments
1. Missing the cut in Europe (by only 2 shots) and in the UK by a few shots.
2. Missing Qualification ‘Q’ school.
3. Losing my Kenyan Coach.
Looking ahead
“At the end of the year, I feel really happy to have gone through the ups and down that have both strengthened me and given me a great learning experience. I am am also so grateful to my sponsors, Vipingo Ridge, U.COM, Transeast and those of the Vipingo Ridge members, for they have played a major role in my golfing career. I am looking forward to greater things in the journey ahead. Thank you very much.”
Vipingo Ridge is very proud to support Naomi, both in her golf and work life, and look forward to a successful 2024, with the Magical Kenya Ladies Open at home course Vipingo Ridge and a training camp in South Africa planned at the start of the year, the future looks bright.
