Kenyan lady golfer Naomi Wafula turns pro

While a majority of Kenyan female golfers have competed as amateurs, only a few have transitioned and aspired to play at the professional level.

Women's professional golf in Kenya has witnessed significant growth, more recently with the establishment of the Magical Kenya Ladies Open in 2019, which is part of the Ladies European Tour, which has provided the much-needed platform for Kenyan female golfers to compete at a professional level.

Since hosting the first Kenya Ladies Golf Championship in 1932, followed by the establishment of the Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU) in 1936 by a group of enthusiastic lady golfers, highlights the robust foundation that the sport of golf has enjoyed in pre-colonial times.

Despite the major strides in the development of the game, very few ladies have made a stab at the professional ranks.

Rose Naliaka, whose role as Kenya's pioneer touring professional has been instrumental in inspiring subsequent generations.

The emergence of PGA-qualified professionals, such as Jacqueline Walter, signifies a diversification of professional roles within the sport.

Naliaka's niece, Naomi Wafula, is the latest to join the fray as the first Kenyan Lady professional after being enrolled with the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) on Friday.

Wafula, a prominent Kenyan golfer who made history by being the first Kenyan golfer to to have made the cut at the Magical Ladies Open in 2023, has featured prominently in the amateur scene, even playing in the opening round of the Coast Open - Barry Cup, where she wound up at 3-over before the approval of her PGK application was approved, forcing her withdrawal from the second round.

"I'm so excited, as this is a dream come true and a major step in my golf journey, which was to one day join the pro ranks and play on tour, and compete," said an elated Wafula.

A decorated player in her own right, she has had a stellar career and performance throughout her career from the junior ranks and most recently within the amateur level, where she won the Kiambu Open in 2023 and several KLGU events.

She added, "I’m grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way, friends, coaches, and sponsors, and to the golf community that has believed in me"

While announcing the groundbreaking, PGK said that her enrollment as the first female member of PGK is a monumental milestone for gender inclusion and the growth of professional women's golf in the country.

According to PGK Chairman CJ Wangai, “Naomi's membership is a statement of intent from the PGK — that talent, determination, and character will always find a place in our professional ranks. She has earned this moment, and we are proud to walk with her as she begins this exciting new chapter in her golfing journey. We are confident she will open doors for many more women to follow.”

"I’m excited to compete at the highest level and represent Kenya with pride," Wafula