The government has pledged to enhance support for the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) as part of supporting the growth of sports in Kenya and lift the country’s golfing profile at the regional and global stage.
The Principal Secretary in the State Department for Sports Elijah Mwangi said part of commitment to spur the growth of golf in the country would be to engage in discussions on modalities on how the state can support the development of skills, players and sport and make Kenya competitive at the global level.
The PS was speaking at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club on Sunday during the Grand Finale of the first edition of the Equator Tour; an event that saw over 60 Kenya’s top golfers compete across several golf course across Kenya.
He was accompanied by top officials in golfing space including Golf Kenya President Philip Ochola and PGK CEO Robert Muthomi among others.
“This tour has demonstrated the immense talent and skills we have in the golfing space. We will have structured engagement on how the government will strengthen support to make this sport grow,” he said.
The Equator tour, the first time in Kenya, kicked off at Ruiru Golf Club in July last year before making rounds to other course across Kenya. Viewed as the curtain-raiser for Kenya’s golfers before the start of the global Magical Kenya Open, this event saw intensive competition among top golfers with David Wakhu emerging victor on Sunday.
Other golfers who made a mark include Taimur Malik and the Kibugu brothers who are now set to represent the country in February during the Magical Kenya Open.
The Golf Kenya President Philip Ochola hailed the tournament as an excellent continuation of Kenya’s preparedness to face the world’s best during the MKO. He also appealed to the government to extend its support for professional golfers as part of lifting the country’s profile in continental and global tournaments.
“We appreciate the government for its commitment to develop sport in Kenya. We wish for deeper involvement and support for the golfing fraternity to help grow this sport to higher levels,” he said.
The grand finale culminated to the unveiling and naming of Kenya golfers who were selected to represent the country during the three-day Magical Kenya Open event at the Karen Golf Club next month.
MKO, Kenya’s top golfing event, is part of DP World Tour that brings together world’s elite golfers to battle it out for over sh 250 million in prize money.
The PS disclosed that the government had already set aside the prize money for the event and was eager to welcome the golfing world to Kenya for unforgettable sporting experience as well as showcasing the best of Kenya’s tourism site, legendary hospitality and the warmth of the people.
He further expressed optimism that Team Kenya would post impressive results in the 2026 edition of MKO.
“We have seen incredible talent and passion for the sports from our athletes. We are expecting our players to leave a mark as they go head-to-head with their peers from across the world,” he said.
