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Over 250 golfers are set to compete in the Standard County Golf Classic at the Royal Nairobi Golf Club, marking a significant event in Kenya's amateur golf calendar and promoting environmental awareness.
The Standard County Golf Classic, Nairobi edition, is scheduled to tee off on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the prestigious Royal Nairobi Golf Club (RNGC). More than 250 golfers are expected to participate in the event, which is a key fixture in the local golf circuit.
This tournament follows a successful leg held in Eldoret on June 14, 2025, where Jesse Kipkorir emerged victorious with 46 stableford points. The Nairobi edition is themed 'On the green course, for the green course. Tee off for action against climate change and make the day count,' highlighting an environmental conservation message.
The Royal Nairobi Golf Club, established in 1905, holds the distinction of being arguably the oldest golf course in Kenya. It is an 18-hole course located off Ngong Road and is known for its challenging layout, including water features on holes 1, 10, and 11. The club has a rich history of hosting significant tournaments, including the annual Tannahill Shield, a major amateur event in Kenya.
The Standard County Golf Classic series has been a consistent feature in the Kenyan golf calendar, with previous editions held in various counties, including Kitale in 2016. These tournaments aim to promote golf across the country and provide a platform for both seasoned and upcoming golfers.
Golf in Kenya is governed by bodies such as the Kenya Golf Union, which oversees tournaments and the development of the sport. The Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) also plays a crucial role in promoting professional golf, with tours like the PGK Equator Tour providing opportunities for local and regional talent to gain ranking points and qualify for international events.
Efforts are underway to integrate golf more prominently into the national sporting calendar, with aspirations for Kenyan golfers to participate in events like the 2028 Olympic Games.
Eka Hotel Nairobi is a key partner for the Standard County Golf Classic, demonstrating corporate support for local sporting events. Royal Nairobi Golf Club captain Willy Mastamet has expressed his anticipation for a competitive championship, noting his rigorous preparation for the event. Other notable players expected to compete include club champion Kevin Juma and Njogu Kungu, who recently won the Royal Strokeplay Championship.
David Waweru, RNGC golf administrator, highlighted the participation of seniors and juniors who represented the club in this year's Tannahill Shield, indicating a strong field of contenders.
While the Standard Classic focuses on environmental awareness, the broader implications of golf course maintenance, particularly water usage, remain a pertinent environmental consideration in Kenya. Balancing the growth of the sport with ecological sustainability is an ongoing challenge.
Specific details regarding the prizes for the Nairobi edition of the Standard Classic were not immediately available. The full list of professional golfers participating in this specific amateur-focused event also remains to be seen.
The Standard County Golf Classic at Royal Nairobi Golf Club is a one-day event on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Looking ahead, the Magical Kenya Open, a DP World Tour event, is scheduled for February 20-23, 2025, at Muthaiga Golf Club. The Royal Nairobi Golf Club will also host the Tannahill Shield from April 18-20, 2025.
Golf enthusiasts will be keenly watching the performance of local talents at the Standard Classic, particularly those preparing for upcoming major tournaments. The event's emphasis on climate change action also sets a precedent for future sporting events in Kenya to incorporate environmental themes.