NAIROBI, KENYA – Immaculate Kassait, playing off a handicap of 36, delivered a stunning performance to clinch the overall winner's title at the prestigious 2025 Lady Captain's Prize tournament, which concluded on Saturday, 9 November 2025, at the historic Royal Nairobi Golf Club. Kassait carded an exceptional 43 stableford points to top a large field of competitors in the week-long event that marked the end of Penny Wambui's successful tenure as Lady Captain.

The tournament, supported by over 30 sponsors, was a major highlight in the Kenyan ladies' golf calendar, drawing hundreds of players and celebrating a year of significant achievements for the club's vibrant ladies' section. The final day's glamourous prize-giving ceremony saw attendees adhere to a striking dress code of red, white, and gold, capping a week of fierce but friendly competition.

In her acceptance speech, Kassait expressed her delight, praising the tournament's impeccable organization and the supportive environment that contributed to her victory. The event celebrated winners across multiple categories, showcasing the depth of talent at the club. Mary Gatere (handicap 28) won the Past Lady Captain category with 37 points, while Rosemary Kioni (handicap 21) secured the Senior Lady title with 37 points. The future of the sport was also on display, with Isidoro Muriithi (handicap 34) winning the Junior title with 36 points.

A Landmark Year for Women's Golf

The tournament served as a fitting finale to a landmark year for the Royal Nairobi ladies' section under Wambui's leadership. The club's ladies achieved a remarkable "clean sweep" at the Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU) Match Play Championship at Limuru Country Club, where Wambui won Division A and Ashley Awuor secured the Division B and overall championship titles. Furthermore, the internal Royal Ladies Premier League saw massive participation, with 33 teams playing over 300 matches throughout the year.

These successes reflect a broader trend of significant growth in women's golf across Kenya. According to the Kenya Ladies Golf Union, the number of female golfers in the country has seen a substantial increase, a development partly spurred by initiatives to make the sport more accessible. National events like the Magical Kenya Ladies Open, part of the Ladies European Tour, have also played a crucial role in raising the sport's profile and inspiring a new generation of female players.

Historic Club, Modern Growth

Established in 1906, the Royal Nairobi Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Kenya and holds a unique Royal Charter granted by King George V in 1936. As the host of premier tournaments like the Tannahill Shield, the club has long been central to the development of golf in the nation. The success of the Lady Captain's Prize underscores the club's ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and promoting women's participation in a sport once seen as male-dominated.

In her closing remarks, outgoing Lady Captain Penny Wambui highlighted the unity and optimism that characterized her tenure. She noted that despite challenges, the ladies' section had emerged stronger, fostering a sense of community and sporting excellence. The high turnout and extensive sponsorship from corporate entities such as Kenya Re, Absa Bank, and Mastercard in other club events throughout the year signal strong private sector confidence in the sport's growth trajectory.

As Immaculate Kassait celebrates her well-deserved victory, the event is being hailed not just as a successful competition, but as a powerful statement on the health and bright future of women's golf in Kenya. The combination of grassroots enthusiasm, exemplified by the club's premier league, and elite success on the national stage suggests that Kenyan women are poised to make an even greater impact on the sport regionally and internationally.