10 reasons to vote for the PGA Baobab Course as the number one golf course in Kenya
Nominated in the World Golf Awards, voted for by you
We have once again been shortlisted for the Kenyan Golf Course of the year by the World Golf Awards. It is fantastic for the Kenyan golf and tourism scene to have the calibre of courses raising the bar each year.
To help you decide, here’s our top 10 reasons you should vote for our Vipingo Ridge golf course: the PGA Baobab Course.
Challenging and stunning
Our 72-par championship golf course is designed by the European Tour’s David Jones. We have 18 challenging holes, each with attractive features, including a focal point water feature. This sequence of pools and streams leads golfers through undulating greens and wide fairways. With a computerised irrigation system keeping the fine Bermuda grass green and the team meticulous in their craft, our Baobab tree lined course is simply stunning.
PGA Accredited
Kenya is proudly one of the top golf destination countries in Africa, but has steep competition from countries such South Africa. Our Baobab Course is the only one from the whole of Africa that is PGA accredited. What does this mean? The Professional Golf Association is a global body setting the tone and standards for golf across the world, and they have partnered with Vipingo Ridge. This acknowledgement of our facilities, team and golf strategy is a great endorsement for the PGA Baobab Course.
Sustainability focussed
From its conception 17 years ago, Vipingo Ridge has focussed on sustainable practices, converting an arid sisal farm into an oasis. We try to seamlessly blend the latest technology with this ethos, and our irrigation strategy is one of the best examples of this in practice. We focus on our natural resources so when the seasonal rains come, we have an extensive rain water capture set up and a custom built resevoir to store this vital element.
Ladies European Tour venue
We’re delighted to bring Kenya to the global golf stage through our participation as a venue on the Ladies European Tour. We’ve hosted this international tournament three times, drawing competitors and media from across the world to Mombasa. Hosting tournaments at the highest level of the game, we’ve been honoured to help elevate the women’s game, as well as support local talent - with our very own Naomi Wafula making history, becoming the first Kenyan female player to make the cut for the 2023 event.
A community effort
One of the wonderful aspects of Vipingo Ridge is the relationship we have with our local community. We collaborate with our neighbouring villages, creating vital work opportunities. From our trained and knowledgeable caddies, who we frequently receive fantastic feedback on, to our security teams and greenkeepers, we work closely with local Chiefs and wider Kilifi County leadership to train and develop talent. This is includes our very own Jacky Walter from Vipingo village, one of our leading golf talents. We’re creating an harmonious community who bring the Vipingo Ridge experience to life.
PGA Academy
As part of our status as PGA accredited we have a custom built facility to develop talent. Close to our driving range, we have state-of-the-art equipment and professional PGA coaches on hand to improve your game. This is the base for our expert tuition, club customisations and fitting, so for your first lesson through to advanced swing analysis, our PGA academy is a unique asset in Kenya, and one we’re very proud of.
Supporting talent
Through our golf team Vipingo Ridge has been investing in talent. We have focussed on the ladies game, currently with three local Kenyan players that call the Baobab Course their own. While working on their game, they also spend time coaching children, promoting golf to the next generation, as well as learning new skills such as media training and leadership. We fundraise for them to have experiences, such as Ladies number one amateur Naomi Wafula who is currently touring Europe, experiencing all that golf can offer.
Iconic Clubhouse
When you think of Vipingo Ridge the ridge-top clubhouse is the memorable image that comes to mind. This inspiring coastal architecture is as impressive in person, with the roof-top views the best on the Ridge. Home to our Pro-shop, changing rooms and gym and buggies, this venue is also the setting for our main restaurant and one of our bars too. This makes it the perfect watering hole for players to take in the incredible sea views.
Driving range
We’re pretty proud of our driving range. It has stunning views and ample space for you to hit a basket of balls. Adjacent to the PGA Academy and perfect for beginners, this space works really well for a morning warm up, or a sociable evening activity. This green expanse also has moveable shades if you’re tempted to take advantage of the Mombasa climate.
And if you’re still not sure…
10. A wildlife sanctuary
‘Making space for wildlife’ is the name of our program in partnership with the Kenyan Wildlife Services (KWS). This includes creating wildlife corridors around our development to encourage the free roaming of wildlife. This is why you may see one of our three orphaned baby giraffes striding across the golf course - free roaming means just that.
We are also proud to be a part of an endangered breeding programme, encouraging new blood line combinations in species such as eland, oryx, gazelle and rarer herbivores.
For 17 years we have focussed on the rewilding of our former sisal farm, prioritising indigenous trees, including the iconic coastal tree, the Adansonia digitata, where the Baobab Course gets its name.
Don’t forget to vote for the Baobab Course.
Would you like to play the only PGA golf course in Africa? Please take a look at our golf packages and make your golf safari dream a reality.
