Undiscovered Golf Destinations

 World Travel Exhibition, London 2011

A press statement issued by the Kenya Tourism Board’s (KTB) London office indicated that apart from Kenya marketing its’ nature reserves and the pristine white beaches, the Kenya tourism board will this year unveil a comprehensive golf guide for visitors to the country to discover its many spectacular courses and facilities.  Close to 150 golfers, the statement said, will compete in the annual Kenya Open Golf Championship. This years’ tournament, was played at the Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi, and next years’ event will take place at the same venue.

"With the sustained growth of African tourism, Kenya has emerged as a significant player in the highly competitive field of international golf tourism. The credentials of its golf courses saw the country outshine 100 others to win the coveted title of ‘Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year’ at the International Association of Golf Tour Operators annual awards." the statement said.
source: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/InsidePage.php?id=2000046163&cid=14&j=&m=&d=

Kenya – The Best undiscovered Golf Destination of 2008

The International Golf Travel Writers Association (IGTWA), sister association of IAGTO, the global trade organization of the golf tourism industry, has awarded Kenya as “The Best Undiscovered Golf Destination of 2008”. 107 golf travel writers participated in the voting of this award. The gala Awards evening took place on 20th of November, 08 in Estepona, Spain, on the last day of the International Golf Travel Market - IGTM.
His Excellency, the Ambassador of Kenya, Mwakai K. Sio, together with Tob Cohen, Chairman of the Kenya Golf Marketing Alliance received the award on behalf of the Kenya golf and tourism sector.
“This award represents a great honour and recognition for Kenya and, in particular, its tourism industry. It all goes to crown a very blessed month for Kenya, coming only three weeks after the election of Barack Obama, who has his roots in Kenya, as President of the United States of America. We warmly welcome the entire world to come and see what we have to offer and to enjoy our hospitality” said Ambassador Sio.
read more at source: http://www.magicalkenya.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=181&Itemid=60

Golf Destination of the Year

The IAGTO Awards are the official annual awards for the golf tourism industry. The 2009 gala Awards evening took place on Thursday 20th November 2008 at the Estepona Congress and Exhibition Centre, Spain on the last day of the International Golf Travel Market.

The winners of the 2009 IAGTO Awards were:

Golf Resort of the Year — Europe: Le Meridien Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Course, Portugal
Golf Resort of the Year — North America: Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Miami, Florida
Golf Resort of the Year — Rest of the World: Half Moon, Jamaica
Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year: Kenya Golf Destination of the Year — Africa, the Indian Ocean & the Gulf States: Dubai
Golf Destination of the Year — Asia & Australasia: New Zealand
Golf Destination of the Year — Europe: Andalucia, Spain
Golf Destination of the Year — Latin America & the Caribbean: Dominican Republic
Golf Destination of the Year — North America: South Carolina
IAGTO Honorary Award: José María Olazábal

source: http://www.discovercharleston.com/golf/golf-award.htm

Golf Courses in Kenya: http://www.1golf.eu/en/golf-courses/kenya/

 Vipingo Ridge Golf Resort on the North Cost of Mombasa lies in the centre of a 2,500 acre former sisal estate. The property rises from just above sea level to a 140 metre high ridge before falling off again to the scenic lake and game conservation area to the west of the site.  The golf course at Vipingo Ridge is the first in East Africa to be built to a truly international standard, with the world renowned USGA specification being used for all aspects of the course. The large and undulating greens at Vipingo Ridge are cultivated with fine Bermuda grasses to guarantee fast and true putting surfaces. A fully automated irrigation system and a large inventory of new green-keeping equipment ensure that the playing surfaces are maintained in pristine condition all year round.  

 

Muthaiga Golf Club enjoys the influential position of having been one of the Kenya's pioneer golf courses and it serves as a home to the Kenya Golf Union and plays host to the most prestigious golfing event in the country, The Kenya Open. The course club is situated at the Kiambu Road towards Kiambu about 200 metres (220 yards), further on the left. The original nine holes were laid out at Muthaiga in 1913 and the club foundation stone was laid in 1912 and the golf course become an amenity for the club members and their friends.
read more at source: http://www.magicalkenya.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=788&Itemid=324

Sergoit Golf and Wildlife Resorts is prime property consisting of more than 3000 acres of pristine land situated at the heart of the North Rift. The singular defining feature of the property is Sergoit Hill, a tree covered rocky outcrop with a footprint of about 500 acres dominating the flat landscape.

The property is a sprawling ranch which also serves as a wildlife sanctuary and is home to the Rothschild’s Giraffe – one of a priority species in wildlife conservation. Other animals include antelopes, duikers and a large variety of birds. On a clear day, you can see Mt Kenya to the East and Mt Elgon to the West. To the south you can also see the undulating Nandi Hills and the expansive Cherangany Hills to the North.