Africa gets its first ever PGA approved course

A $50 million golf complex on the Kenyan coast has become the first in Africa to secure world-renowned PGA approval.

Vipingo Ridge’s vision was to create a championship course and five star golf retreat from an old sisal and mango plantations back in 2004.

Now the complex is thriving, but more importantly it has become the first course in Africa to be globally recognised with the Professional Golfers’ Association seal of approval.

PGA Head of Property and Development Guy Moran said: “It is the first time that we have accredited a golf course on the African Continent. We are glad that Kenya has now joined the league of PGA branded facilities around the world.”

PGA support will have massive benefits for Vipingo resort – and not just as a world-recognised seal of excellence for golfers wishing to visit.

Vipingo Ridge director Saleem Haji said: “With the PGA support, we can now start training some of the local caddies to be professionals and they will be able to give lessons. They could then go out into the community, into schools and start introducing local kids to the game.

“It would be wonderful if in a few years’ time we could have a caddie who has trained through the whole PGA system and become a professional.

Moran added: “Kenya should take advantage of the world class golf course to attract golf tourists to generate more revenue and economic growth. Kenya has a lot to offer compared to other golf tourism destinations since it has warm weather, the stunningly beautiful beaches and wildlife in popular parks such as Maasai Mara.”

We will be right with you.

Related:

For great golf in Africa check out golf the Mazagan way in Morocco