Nurturing talent top priority for new KGU boss Phillip Ochola

Muthaiga Golf Club's Philip Ochola was elected unopposed as the 2023/2024 Kenya Golf Union Chairman during the union’s Annual General Meeting held on Friday 26 May at Muthaiga Golf Club.

David Ndung’u of Limuru Country Club, Chris Kinuthia of Thika Sports Club and Karugu Macharia of Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club assumed the Vice Chairman, Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer positions respectively. The three were also elected unopposed.

The six executive positions were won by Brian Akun (55 votes), Francis Wambua (70 votes), Ndiga Kithae (60 votes), Jonathan Marucha (72 votes), Sammy Itemere (74 votes) and Thomas Mwaura (60 votes) out of the eleven nominees. 

In his acceptance speech, Ochola expressed appreciation to Muthaiga Golf Club for nominating him and all the affiliate golf clubs for entrusting him with the chairmanship.

He says his top priority during his tenure is to ensure the successful completion of ongoing projects.

“I am determined to finalize the Lenana & Kasarani high performance center projects, which holds great potential for nurturing young talent in our country. 

Additionally, I aim to see the introduction of golf in schools come to fruition as it is vital for attracting and grooming the next generation of golfers. 

I also pledge to promote our Elite squad players, providing them with opportunities to excel and securing scholarships to further their golfing careers,” Ochola offered. 

Further, the new boss has pledged to take care of the welfare of the infirm golfers, the disabled players and caddies. 

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This will be achieved in collaboration with KGU subsidiaries including Junior Golf Foundation, the Kenya Ladies Golf Union and the Kenya Open Golf Limited.

He committed to actively engage the government through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Culture and Sports, The Ministry of Education and The Ministry of Land to create a conducive environment for the development of the sport at a national level. 

He also promised to partner with the private sector and institutions to develop the game of golf further.

Outgoing chairman Njani Ndiritu thanked the committee members for their support during his tenure. 

He said the Union has continued to make significant strides to prioritize Junior Golf and has signed an MOU with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to introduce golf in schools. 

Ndiritu urged the new leadership to work together and build upon the foundation that has already been laid.