The Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) have launched the inaugural Equator Tour, a groundbreaking development circuit aimed at grooming local professionals for global success, with the ultimate goal of securing Kenya’s debut in Olympic golf at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The three-year tour, which is part of PGK’s elite development programme, will tee off with 32 of the country’s top-ranked professionals battling for critical Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points under the International Golf Federation (IGF) umbrella.
The tour will feature 11 legs across premier courses in Kenya.
Each of the 32 professionals will be grouped into four, backed by eight headline corporate sponsors, including NCBA Bank, Safaricom, Britam, Diageo, Visa, Kenya Airways, Standard Group and Nation Media Group, each supporting a team of four players.
Sponsorship packages include funding for gym memberships, mental coaching, nutritionists, equipment and monthly stipends.
PGK chairman C.J. Wangai described the launch as the realisation of a long-held dream.
“This vision began a year ago. Golf was reintroduced to the Olympics in 2016, but for a long time, we felt the Games were reserved for athletes from developed countries,” Wangai said.
Wangai credited rising amateur star Michael Karanga, who broke into the global top 100 amateur rankings, for inspiring the initiative.
“Karanga’s achievements showed us that Kenya has the talent to compete on the global stage. That was our wake-up call,” he added.
“It is with pride that we unveil the PGK Development Programme and the inaugural Equator Tour, aptly dubbed The Road to LA 2028.”
Wangai emphasised that the player selection was merit-based, drawn from cumulative performance over the last ten PGK-sanctioned events.
“This isn’t just about participation, it’s about excellence. We’re building a pipeline of world-class talent,” he said.
The tour is also being positioned as a qualifying platform for the prestigious Magical Kenya Open, a DP World Tour event.
“We are in advanced discussions with Kenya Open Ltd to integrate the Equator Tour as part of the selection process for the Magical Kenya Open,” Wangai revealed.
Backing the initiative, NCBA, Safaricom, Britam and Visa collectively contributed Sh3 million to jumpstart the inaugural season.
Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Chairman Philip Ochola hailed the sponsors for backing a vision of Olympic proportions.
“It takes a lot for organisations to come together for such a cause, and we thank our corporates for the trust they have given us,” Ochola said.
Ministry of Sports Secretary of Administration, Evans Achoki, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the programme.
“The government’s responsibility is to promote and develop sports in the country through identifying and nurturing talent to ensure athletes are paid for their talents,” Achoki said.
“Adding golf to the Kenyan Olympic team would form a dominant force for LA 2028. Kenya is a powerhouse at the Olympics. If we add golf to the Kenyan Olympic team for 2028, we will have a dominant team,” he said.
He further reiterated the government’s support for the PGK initiative to grow the sport. “We want to assure everyone of the government’s support to ensure this vision is realised.”
Teams
NCBA – Edwin Mudanyi, Erick Ooko, Abraham Galgallo, Njuguna Ngugi; Safaricom – Samuel Njoroge, Mutahi Kibugu, Mohit Medirrata, Mathew Wahome
Britam – Simon Ngige, Hesborn Kutwa, Simon Njogu, Kapan Timbe; Diageo – David Wakhu, CJ Wangui, Nelson Mudanyi, Nelson Simwa; Visa – Mike Kisia, Jeff Kubwa, Sujan Shah, Daniel Nduva; Kenya Airways – Dismas Indiza, Jacob Okello, Justus Madoya, Joseph Karanja; Standard Media – Greg Snow, Robinson Owiti, Tony Omuli, Sullivan Muthugia; Nation Media – Njoroge Kibugu, Alfred Nandwa, Dennis Saikwa, Isaiah Otukhe.
by TEDDY MULEI
