She's back! Naomi tells us about her fantastic golf adventure

Since the founding our PGA Academy our team have been focussed on finding and developing golfing talent in Kenya.

As well as engaging our local communities and the Kenya golf scene to create pathways and opportunities in golf, we also have also focused on the development of opportunities for Kenyan girls and women. This manifests in a number of ways in our company, but in the sports side we have some particularly successful outcomes we’re very proud of.

Second chance through sport

Naomi Wafula, Kenya Ladies Amateur Champion, is our star pupil from our golf talent programme.

Softly spoken and warm, she has an underlying grit and determination that has taken her far.

Her path to golf success has not been straightforward, but she has worked hard to maximise every opportunity

Opening doors to adventures

Earlier this year Naomi made history, becoming the first ever Kenyan to make the cut in the Ladies European Tour. On her home course, our PGA Baobab Course, she was able to compete at the very highest levels of the game, gaining valuable experience.

The world was watching, and opportunity came for her to continue her journey with new connections in Europe.

Fundraising began to support the trip, with Vipingo Ridge engaging our generous residents and business partners, coming together to help Naomi live her dream. So in May 2023 Naomi began an unforgettable experience.

In her own words

“On May 28th, I embarked on my European adventure in Germany, and I was so excited.

On May 31st, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Pro Am at the Porsche European Open at Green Eagle Golf Courses.

I had the pleasure of sharing the course with amazing individuals, including Pro Paul Warring from England, Diana Schneider, a talented German singer and actress, and Michael, a local German golfer.

It was undoubtedly the most enjoyable Pro Am I've ever experienced, filled with laughter and memorable moments on the golf course.

Maximising every opportunity

During the first two rounds of the Porsche European Open, I had the privilege of caddying for Pro Mutahi Kibugu, our fellow talented Kenyan golfer. For the last two days, I spectated as world-class players from around the globe showcased their skills, including Maximillian Keiffer, a German pro, from whom I even managed to collect a few autographs. Throughout this week, I had access to the range for my practice leading up to the Amundi German Masters.

Throughout my journey, I had the privilege of receiving coaching from some of the finest mentors in Germany, and I gained a wealth of knowledge from this entire experience. It truly felt like a dream come true, especially since I was visiting most of these countries for the first time. Now, my dreams have grown even bigger, and I aspire to secure a victory in a LET event in the near future.

Golfing from Germany to Finland to Greece

My most recent adventure took me to Greece for an ECCO photo shoot, which was an absolute blast.

I also had the opportunity to conduct interviews with GolfPunk Magazine and enjoy some fun rounds on picturesque courses.

A thank you

I am deeply grateful to all my supporters for helping me achieve my dream of becoming a professional golfer and competing on the tour. The journey hasn't been easy, but it's incredibly rewarding to have such wonderful people accompany me along the way.

A heartfelt thank you to my sponsors. I am truly loving and enjoying every moment of this remarkable journey.”