Njoroge Kibugu/ HANDOUT
The tournament has not only brought some of the game's biggest stars to Nairobi but has also underlined Kenya's growing stature as a golfing destination.
Golf is often labelled a "rich man's game", yet the reality is far different. It's a sport that welcomes players of all ages and abilities, rewarding patience, accuracy and smart decision-making more than brute strength.
In today's Know Your Sport, we break down how golf is played, how scoring works and what you need to begin your journey on the fairways. Golf is a precision club-and-ball sport in which players aim to hit a small ball into a series of holes using as few strokes as possible.
Unlike most sports played on fixed courts or pitches, golf unfolds across expansive outdoor landscapes known as golf courses. A standard round is played over 18 holes, although many facilities also feature 9-hole courses that allow players to complete a shorter game.
Every hole begins at the teeing area, where the opening shot is struck. Players then navigate the fairway, avoiding hazards such as sand bunkers and water obstacles before reaching the green, the smoothest part of the course, where the ball is rolled into the hole with a putter.
The size of a golf course varies according to its design. A full championship 18-hole course can cover more than 120 acres, incorporating long fairways, practice facilities and strategically placed hazards.
Compact executive and nine-hole layouts require considerably less space. For those without access to a course, indoor golf simulators provide a modern alternative, allowing players to practise on virtual recreations of famous courses.
Golf is also distinguished by the variety of equipment used. Players are allowed to carry a maximum of 14 clubs, each designed for a specific purpose. Woods are built for long-distance shots, particularly from the tee, while irons offer versatility for approach shots.
Hybrids combine some of the forgiveness of woods with the control of irons, making them useful for longer shots. Wedges are designed for short, precise shots around the green, while the putter is used to roll the ball into the hole.
Scoring is based on a simple principle: the fewer strokes, the better. Each hole has a target score known as par, usually three, four or five strokes, representing the number an expert golfer is expected to require. Completing a hole one stroke under par is a birdie, while one stroke over par is a bogey. After 18 holes, the player with the lowest total score wins.
Because golf balls can travel at high speeds, safety and etiquette are fundamental to the game. Players should ensure their swing area is clear and wait until those ahead are safely out of range before hitting.
They should also shout “FORE!” when a wayward shot could endanger another person. Respect for fellow players, course staff and the course itself is considered an essential part of the game. Although golf’s ancient origins remain debated, the modern game took shape in 15th-century Scotland.
The Old Course at St Andrews helped establish the standard 18-hole round in 1764, laying the foundation for the sport as it is played around the world today. Golf made its Olympic debut at the 1900 Paris Games and is governed internationally by the International Golf Federation (IGF).
In Kenya, the sport is administered by the Kenya Golf Union (KGU), which was founded in 1928 and is regarded as the country’s oldest continuous sporting body.
