KGU
“These juniors are the same ones
that will represent us when they are
23 years old. They’re the ones who
will become the A-list players then,
and pros. If we accord them the
experience and exposure, that will be
very useful when they are five or six
years older,” Murage observes.
But much more was expected of
Team Kenya in the Victoria Cup.
Featuring veterans like Robinson
Owiti, William Odera and the in-
form Samuel Njoroge, the team
surrendered the title they had won..
Kenya had won the trophy for three
consecutive years since it was
introduced in 2016. The national
amateur side went down 14-12
throwing away a two-day lead in a
dramatic fashion.
National team coach John Van
Liefland was however contented with
the performance. “It was a tough
match. The boys put up a spirited
fight. We shall now have to put in
more work on fitness and better
course management,” said Liefland.
Kenya can become a
great golfing nation by
making the pyramid wider
at the bottom. We must
change the notion that
golf is an elite sport by
making it more accessible.
Golf clubs can consider
introducing open times
for all children and this
will attract bigger masses
which will in turn translate
to better performance of
the national team.
Team Kenya
Coach Liefland who has been
handling the national junior team
for the last two years is optimistic
about the local game’s prospects. “I
am amazed at what I have seen so
far. Guys here have a better body
and bone structure which should be
a huge advantage. We just need to
work on consistency off the tee and
hitting the ball long,” he observes.
Liefland is convinced that there’s
still lot of talent hidden out there
due to lack of interest or access
to the game. He said: “Kenya can
become a great golfing nation by
making the pyramid wider at the
bottom. We must change the notion
that golf is an elite sport by making
it more accessible. Golf clubs can
consider introducing open times for
all children and this will attract bigger
masses which will in turn translate to
better performance of the national
team.”
Focus now shifts to preparing Team
Kenya for the All Africa Golf Team
Championships that will be held in
Mauritius in October 2019.
Region IV 2019 Results
NO.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Country
Uganda
Kenya
Tanzania
Burundi I
Ethiopia
Burundi II
Victoria Cup Winners
Year
2016 Country
Kenya
2017 Kenya
2018
2019 Kenya
Uganda
Kenya National Team
Simon Njoroge
Robinson Owiti
William Odera
Paul Muchangi
Simon Njogu
Daniel Kiragu
Daniel Nduva
Mathew Wahome
Mutahi Kibugu
Korby Gatiramu