The Absa Invitational Series, the penultimate leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, is redefining the landscape of Kenyan golf by opening the door wider for women professionals. The tournament is underway this week at the par-72 Thika Greens Golf Resort, bringing together top golfers from across the continent.
For the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK), the inclusion of women in the series marks a historic milestone. PGK Chairman CK Wangai described the move as a major step forward for the sport, noting that Kenya is now only second to South Africa in the region to formally administer women professionals within its pro body.
“This is the first time in history that ladies have been incorporated into PGK, and as an Association we felt it was only right to open up and give them hope,” Wangai said. “My message to young ladies is simple: the door is now open. You can join the Association and become professional golfers.”
Among the trailblazers are Joyce Wanjiru of Kiambu Golf Club, who recently turned professional, and Naomi Wafula, who made the switch in July last year. Wanjiru is making her professional debut at Thika Greens, a venue she describes as special, and is relishing the opportunity to compete on equal footing with male golfers.
“Playing at Thika Greens is special for me, and I’m excited to compete against such a strong field of male golfers,” Wanjiru said. “As a professional, there is no limit to prize money, and that motivates me even more.”
Wanjiru opened her campaign with a six-over-par 77, while Wafula carded a five-over-par round after the first 18 holes. Despite nerves on her first day as a professional, the 37-year-old said the Tour has already boosted her confidence and affirmed her decision to turn pro.
“Day one wasn’t easy. I didn’t putt well and I was nervous, but I believe it will get better,” Wanjiru said. “It’s never easy playing against men, but I hope to retire at 45 and dedicate my time to grooming young girls, including my 12-year-old daughter.”
Absa Bank Kenya, the sponsor of the final two legs of the series, has lauded the progress being made. Mount Kenya Regional Manager Timothy Kosgey said the bank was proud to support local professionals as they test themselves against regional competition.
“We are delighted to be associated with our professional players and to see them compete against golfers from Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania,” Kosgey said. “We are especially encouraged to see the two ladies positioning themselves strongly in this male-dominated sport.”
Wafula, a Sunshine Ladies Tour card holder, continues to sharpen her game on the Sunshine Development Tour and will join Wanjiru at the next leg in Karen. She recently made history by becoming the first Kenyan woman to earn a card on the Sunshine Ladies Tour, following an impressive season in which she made seven cuts out of eight.
“For me to be the first Kenyan woman to earn a global tour card through the Sunshine Development Tour is a dream come true,” Wafula said. “I was overwhelmed when I received the news.”
Currently the highest-ranked female player on the Tour and high on the Order of Merit, Wafula credits the Sunshine Development Tour for elevating competition and creating pathways for women golfers to shine beyond Kenya’s borders.
“This Tour has given women a chance to play high-level competition at home, and that opened the door for me to go international,” she said.
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