South Africa protests open doors for Kenya's golf tourism

They say that Kenya is a safer destination, offering world-class golf courses, attractive beaches, and improved air connectivity, making it an ideal location for sports tourism.

The delegation of over 20 Nigerian golfers, led by the City Ryders Golf Association, landed in Kenya last week and will spend two weeks playing at the Nyali Golf and Country Club and the Vipingo Ridge Golf Club, while also holding discussions with local tourism stakeholders about potential collaborations to market Mombasa as a preferred golfing destination for West African golfers.

The chairman of the City Ryders Golf Association, Mr Akabom Enebong, said that Kenya has all the ingredients needed to become Africa's next golf tourism hub.

“South Africa has always been our preferred golf tourism destination, but the ongoing anti-immigrant protests have become a concern. Kenya offers us a welcoming environment, excellent golf courses, beautiful beaches, and easier travel arrangements thanks to its visa-on-arrival policy,” he said.

He noted that Kenya is one of the few African countries with internationally recognised golf facilities and cited Vipingo Ridge's Professional Golfers' Association (PGA)-accredited course as a major attraction.

Mr Enebong said that the City Ryders Golf Association began more than two decades ago as a small group of 10 friends who travelled together to play golf. Since then, it has grown into one of Nigeria's leading golf travel communities.

"What started as a circle of friends sharing a passion for golf has grown into a vibrant association whose members have travelled across Africa and beyond, combining competition with tourism and cultural exchange," he said.

The association organises annual golf tours across various African countries to promote sports tourism as a means of encouraging regional integration.

"We believe that golf can help to build Africa. Every tournament creates opportunities for tourism, business networking, and cultural exchange, all the while showcasing the beauty of our continent," he said.

After competing alongside local players during the Sunshine Development Tour at Nyali Golf and Country Club, the golfers praised the quality of Kenya's golf courses.

"We came at the right time and experienced competitive golf. Although our players did not perform as well as we had hoped, we learnt a lot. Despite being more than 60 years old, Nyali Golf Club is exceptionally well maintained," said Mr Enebong.

He noted that Kenya has more golf courses than Nigeria, which gives local golfers greater exposure and helps to raise the standard of the game. He added that sports tourism can generate significant revenue for destinations.

When planning a golf holiday, the first step is usually to research the destination online to confirm whether it has a golf course. Once that is established, you pay your green fees and then select a hotel.

For example, if you choose Bamburi Beach, the cost is about $300 (Sh38,790) per night. Multiply that by seven nights and then by 20, and you can see how the expenses quickly add up,” he explained.

The delegation also hopes to establish partnerships with airlines, hotels and other tourism businesses to increase travel between Nigeria and Kenya.

“We are talking to Ethiopian Airlines about improving connectivity between Nigeria and Kenya because easier travel means more golfers, more tourists and more business opportunities,” he said.

Mr Enebong said that Kenya's coastline presented a unique opportunity to combine golf with beach tourism.

"We want to combine golf with beach holidays and, eventually, hold one of our continental tournaments in Mombasa. This region has everything golfers look for: quality courses, beautiful scenery, good hotels and warm hospitality."

He added that, beyond tourism, golf is becoming an important educational tool in Nigeria through the Golf STEM Academy, which integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics into the sport.

"Every golf shot involves mathematics, physics and strategy. Golf also teaches discipline, patience and integrity. It is probably the only sport where players honestly report their own scores," he said.

The City Ryders Golf Association has organised golf tours to Morocco, Ghana, Eswatini, Malawi and Mozambique, among other African countries.

Mr Enebong recalled that during one of their tournaments in Malawi, the late President Bingu wa Mutharika granted the visiting golfers permanent visas, demonstrating the diplomatic power of sports tourism.

This year's All Africa Challenge Trophy is set to take place at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja from November 2, with the event expected to draw golfers from 35 African countries.

Meanwhile, Nigerian golfer Idris Ajani described Mombasa as one of Africa's most attractive golf destinations.

"The weather is similar to that in Nigeria, the food is excellent, and the hospitality industry is outstanding. Kenya offers a complete package for golf tourism," he said.

Mr Ajani said that he was impressed by both the Nyali Golf and Country Club and the Vipingo Ridge after competing against Kenyan golfers.

"I was beaten by the Kenyans, which shows how high the standard of golf is here. Kenya has more golf courses than Nigeria, and that naturally produces better golfers. The more quality courses a country has, the stronger its golfing culture becomes," he said.

The General Manager of Bamburi Beach Hotel-Michael Otieno, said that the visit of Nigerian golfers to Mombasa is a positive development for Kenya's coastal tourism industry and for the hotel itself.

He added that golf tourism is a high-value travel segment, attracting visitors who tend to stay longer and spend more on accommodation, dining, excursions and local experiences. These visitors also often travel in groups.

“We are delighted to welcome these golfers and showcase the renowned hospitality of the Kenyan coast. As well as enjoying our hotel facilities, they can experience Mombasa's rich culture, pristine beaches, historical attractions and vibrant cuisine.

"These memorable experiences encourage repeat visits and inspire guests to recommend the destination to their friends and family,” he said.

He added that the arrival of international golf groups also strengthens Mombasa's position as a leading sports tourism destination in Africa.

Recently, the Principal Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Julius Bitok, said that Kenya would intensify the promotion of its national parks, coastal attractions, cultural heritage sites, sports, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. He described this as a key growth driver for the sector.

Prof Bitok also urged hotel owners and investors to upgrade their facilities to meet international standards, warning that service quality was critical in attracting high-spending tourists.

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