Changing disabled children’s lives, one golf game at a time

For the last few years, Anita Irura has dreamt of making golf inclusive for all.

But despite her privilege of enjoying the game with friends from high society, something was missing. Her heart longed for more— especially for children who often feel left out of any sports activity, particularly those living with disabilities.

Determined to make a difference, Anita knew she had to act.

Five years ago, she embarked on a mission that would eventually lead her to establish Golden Tee Inclusive Golf, a programme designed to teach golf to children with disabilities.

“I wanted these kids to experience the joy of the game, regardless of their ability to walk, see, hear, or their mental state,” she says during an interview with the Star.

“I wanted them to feel valued just as they are and understand that the biggest reward, they could give themselves was not winning a game—but believing in their own potential and taking a risk on themselves. My work was to ensure that they took a bet on themselves, and when they did, the results are amazing.”

Anita began interacting with the game when she started running the school programme at the Kenya Community Centre for Learning, where she worked with a group of children with disabilities.

The school had a golf programme, but like many initiatives, it was eventually discontinued when funds dried up.

Yet, Anita had already found her calling—she was committed to creating an inclusive space where children with disabilities could thrive.

“I was, and still am, more passionate about bringing these children on the board, because I know for a fact that these are places, they’ve never been and even thought we would never get,” she said.

“Some only knew of golf courses from the other side of the fence or from watching TV and would not dare walk into such a facility. I wanted to change this.”

Refusing to accept that belief, Anita began exploring opportunities to bring golf to people with disabilities.

“It was here when I discovered South Africa Disabled Golf Association which has also been instrumental in the growth of Golden Tee. I also stumbled upon a lot of information the European Disabled Golf Association that provided guidance and support for disabled athletes, and it was the first indication that this could be replicated here. This connection proved to be a crucial step in making my dream a reality,” she added.

“The support from parents whose children have disabilities was invaluable. One day, a parent approached me asking if I could help her child, who loved golf but struggled to be understood by others due to his condition.

“I started working with him and soon realized that many people didn’t recognise that individuals with disabilities can play golf, often because their conditions are not immediately visible, like autism or ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.”

Through Golden Tee Inclusive Golf, Anita’s mission has flourished.

Her programme accommodates children with visual impairments, for instance, proving that golf is not only a sport for those who can see.

“Seeing is just one sense. You can feel when you make a good shot or when you miss,” she says.