Golf is rapidly growing in Kenya, evolving from a niche pastime into one of the country’s fastest-rising sports. Over the past few years, Kenya has steadily gained recognition as a sought-after golfing destination—not just for its world-class courses set against breathtaking backdrops, but also for its surge of exceptional local talent that is redefining the game. A new generation of Kenyan golfers is stepping into the spotlight, making their presence felt both locally and internationally, and attracting fresh attention to Kenya’s golfing potential.

With an increasing number of tournaments, improved facilities, and a growing passion for the sport—especially among young players—Kenya’s golfing scene is on an exciting trajectory of growth and global relevance. It is within this wave of momentum that NCBA Bank Kenya has taken a bold step in shaping the future of Kenyan golf. In partnership with the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) and with the support of other key sponsors including Visa, Nation Media Group, Britam, Standard Media, Safaricom, Diageo, and Kenya Airways, the bank has launched the Professional Golf Development Program and Equator Tour—a strategic initiative aimed at growing professional golf in Kenya and nurturing the next generation of champions.—a long-term initiative designed to grow professional golf in Kenya and nurture the next generation of champions.. The program is designed to connect local professionals to world-ranking tournaments, with the ultimate goal of earning Kenya its maiden Olympic golf qualification.

The grand launch, held at the Kenya Railways Golf Club, brought together an impressive assembly of CEOs, senior leaders from the private sector, sports federations, government officials, the media, and Kenya’s top golfers. The event was a clear show of unity and a shared commitment to professionalizing and commercializing golf in Kenya.

The Player Development Program will offer Kenyan professional golfers the consistent support, exposure, and competitive opportunities they need to succeed—locally, across the continent, and on the global stage. “Today marks a historic milestone in Kenya’s golf journey. We’ve united to close the development gap and fully support our pros—from amateurs to global champions,” said John Gachora, Group Managing Director of NCBA Bank. “We stand together with the vision of creating more jobs by monetizing talent and seeing our Kenyan flag raised high on global golfing stages, including the Olympics.”

The Player Development Program is designed to provide Kenyan professional golfers with the consistent support, exposure, and competitive opportunities they need to thrive—locally, across Africa, and on the global stage. According to PGK Chairman, CJ Wangai, the launch marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s golf journey.

“Today, we’ve officially launched the Road to Olympics 2028—a development pathway combined with a professional players’ tour. Corporates have come together and pooled resources to back Kenya’s pros through an intensive growth program that will include fitness training, club fitting, swing simulation, and more,” Wangai said.

He further explained that a new national circuit, the Equator Tour, will complement the initiative, featuring 11 events across the country. “This tour is critical in ensuring that, within the next three years, Kenya secures qualification for the LA28 Olympics. Our ultimate goal is to see a Kenyan player proudly flying the flag on the Olympic stage.”

As part of the day’s activities, the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) hosted an exciting draw that paired the top 32 professional players with corporate teams, creating a unique blend of talent and business leadership on the course. “As NCBA, we had the privilege of balloting players and are thrilled with our selection—a talented group of professionals who embody the spirit of discipline, resilience, and national pride. Congratulations to our pros! We’re excited to walk this journey with you as you train rigorously, compete with purpose, and proudly fly Kenya’s flag on regional and global fairways. Your success is not just personal—it’s a win for the sport and for the country.”

The PGK’s structured Player Development Program is more than just a tour—it’s a carefully built pathway to excellence and a transformative step for the future of Kenyan golf.