W e All End Up In a Hole

So goes the sound track to a movie I watched sometime, about a retired golfer teaching young children the way to play golf like a pro. Have you heard of the disappointed lone golfer? He once asked his caddy:



‘Well, caddy,how do you like my game?’



The caddy replies, ‘very good sir, but personally I prefer golf.



You must agree when I say that Golf in Kenya has been somehow veiled with a prestigious mystery which many have not yet been able to penetrate. It’s a game of the rich, many will say. Others claim it’s a game for the old and retired .Well, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. At least for the most part of it. In fact. Golf, like any other game can be played by people of all ages. Forget what we see on Television, real young people as young as Standard five. Those who play in the junior category.



In Nairobi alone, there is a total of ten golf clubs. Those are the Private establishments like Muthaiga golf club, Vetlab, Windsor golf and country club, Sigona ,among others. Then there are those open to the public such as the Jockey Club, Ruiru and Ndumberi.



One requires to be a member of the particular club before he can be allowed on the course. Otherwise, you can only play as a guest, invited by an existing member. There is however an opening for those who show great interest. Training is given on the practice range. A lesson goes for about a thousand shillings per hour. This; however varies from club to club. After several lessons. One acquires what is called a handicap. That is the paradoxical term for being able to play .The handicaps range from 0-28.It is then that you can be allowed on the course. The course is well maintained and allowing anyone bearing a club to have free rein would spoil the grass no doubt.



In the private clubs, a green fee is requested per round. It ranges from about Ksh.3000 to ksh.4000.A full round goes for four hours at most .If you are a member of the club, it is deducted from your membership account, but for a non-member, one pays as he plays.



In the public courses though, the green fee could be as low as ksh.500, but again one must consider quality.



The golf balls can be bought at the golf clubs, or in Sports houses. The cheapest could go for 100bob.One can hire the golf clubs, but it doesn’t hurt to have some of your own if not to play with to display in your antique items section in the sitting room.



To become a member of a golf club take a process. One is introduced by an active member of the same. The candidate is scrutinized for about six months, and then a reply of acceptance or rejection is given. This is done to ensure only people of high integrity are selected. One could have all the money but be rejected for his reputation.



Golf is a splendid way to spend your leisure. First it is played in almost pristine surroundings; it doesn’t need you to burn a lot of calories. It’s step by step. No hurry. There is complete silence during the game as a rule,



It must be noted though, that golf is a high status game. It is where players on the fast moving world come to share the brain bowl.


One cannot invest in golf, financially, but maybe the benefit of calm mornings and weekends is worth the money.