Ruiru Golf Club Lady Captain Rhoda Mukami is on a mission not only to position the club as a golfing haven but also to enhance inclusivity and social impact in the sport.
“My goal has always been to open the game to more women and youth,” she explains. “We’ve worked to make Ruiru a safe, welcoming space where players of all ages can thrive.”
Since taking office, Mukami has overseen record-breaking tournaments at Ruiru, including the prestigious Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU) 54-hole event, the Ruiru Ladies Open GOTY (Golfer of the Year), and the September Pendant, fixtures that have elevated women’s golf and given female players unprecedented visibility.
But her proudest moment came off the fairways. Through her Lady Captain’s CSR initiative, Mukami rallied support for teenage mothers detained in the hospital over unpaid bills.
“Many had been held in hospital over unpaid medical bills,” she says. “Seeing them walk out with their babies, smiling and with dignity restored, was unforgettable.”
Mukami’s love affair with golf began almost by accident. She was captivated by the calm focus of golfers striding down the fairways, and though her first swing at the range felt awkward, she was hooked instantly.
With guidance from seasoned members and her trainer, she discovered golf was more than a pastime; it was a test of strategy, mental discipline and even a form of therapy.
From casual rounds, she grew into a formidable competitor in club and interclub matches, before stepping up to leadership in 2024 when she was elected Lady Captain.
She credits her committee, mentors, club management and family for helping her balance the demands of leadership with her personal and professional life. For Mukami, golf mirrors life. “You can have a rough hole but bounce back with grace. It teaches patience, humility, and focus," she says.
As her captaincy progresses, Mukami hopes her legacy will be one of empowerment, where women and young golfers feel they truly belong. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Here at Ruiru, we’re dreaming big,” she says.
