The East Africa Junior Golf Rankings (EAJGR) officially launched on Saturday following the successful conclusion of its inaugural two-round tournament at Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, introducing the first regional golf ranking system dedicated exclusively to junior golfers under the age of 19.
The tournament brought together 25 junior golfers aged between 6 and 18 years from Nova Pioneer, Marurui Primary & Junior School, and St. Ruth’s School. The event underscored the central role of schools within the EAJGR framework, deliberately integrating public and private institutions on a single competitive platform to promote inclusivity and access.
In the Boys Under-10 division, Hakeem Mutungi of St. Ruth’s School delivered a remarkable performance, posting an eight-under-par score in the final round to add to his level-par opening round and finish with a total score of 136 gross. Joseph Mwangi of Marurui Primary & Junior School won the Boys Under-18 category with a combined score of 216, while James Munyororo, also of Marurui, claimed the Boys Under-14 title on 213. Abigael Ayuma of Marurui secured the Girls Under-14 category with 239. In the Under-12 divisions, Alex Muraya of Marurui won the Boys category with 225, while Njeri Mwangi of Nova Pioneer led the Girls category with 251. Zara Mutungi of St. Ruth’s School topped the Girls Under-10 category with a total score of 194.
Speaking at the launch, EAJGR Chairman Larry Ngala outlined the vision and purpose of the new rankings system. “The East Africa Junior Golf Rankings is the first regional ranking system focused purely on junior golf. Our goal is to record performance across four age groups, require participation in at least six ranked events annually, and create a credible pathway for talent development. By bringing together public and private schools, we are deliberately bridging social and economic divides. We thank Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club for leading the way by adopting Marurui Primary & Junior School, and we invite golf clubs across the region to adopt at least one school so that this model can be replicated throughout East Africa.”
Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club Captain Greg Gathumbi described the initiative as a foundation for long-term excellence, emphasizing that junior sport must be anchored in structured development rather than participation alone. He noted that Windsor’s junior programs demonstrate how consistent access to quality facilities can transform beginners into competitive athletes.
Education leaders echoed the broader social and developmental impact of the initiative. Nova Pioneer Executive Principal Christine Kathurima said, “What we witnessed here is the beginning of something epic. When children come together through sport, they energize us and give us hope. This is not about competition between schools, but collaboration. Golf, like life, is built through practice and character. Today, students from Marurui, St. Ruth’s, and Nova Pioneer formed one vibrant community, and that is exactly what education and sport should achieve.”
Marurui Primary & Junior School Principal Susan Maina highlighted the significance of access and opportunity for public school learners. “As the only public primary school with a golf program, being welcomed here at Windsor has been one of the greatest joys of my teaching career. What started with children practicing using wooden clubs has grown into real competition on a championship course. This program has given our learners confidence, access, and belief. We thank Windsor and the EAJGR for opening doors our children never imagined possible.”
Adding a national sporting perspective, reigning World 800 metres champion Lilian Odira emphasized the importance of early investment in youth sport. “Nurturing young talent is one of the most important investments a country can make. Sport teaches discipline, belief, and togetherness. I started as a school champion and progressed through county, national, and East African competitions to become a world champion, and I know that early opportunities matter. Seeing these young golfers, I am confident future world champions will emerge from this group. Success comes through hard work, listening to your coach, trusting in God, and believing in yourself. Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club has provided an invaluable foundation for these children to build their skills, and with commitment, nothing is impossible.
With its inaugural tournament successfully completed, the East Africa Junior Golf Rankings has taken a decisive first step toward building an inclusive, structured, and sustainable junior golf ecosystem, aimed at producing future champions and opening pathways to regional and international competition and scholarship opportunities.