Meet the Vipingo Ridge Caddies!

Golf is a popular sport often seen as a sport of leisure, stature, and precision, with golfers often in the spotlight. However behind every successful golfer is a caddie who guides them through the course, offering advice and support, or sometimes just to carry bags. At the PGA Baobab Course in Vipingo Ridge, caddies are more than just bag carriers; some caddies are skilled players, mentors, and active members of the golfing community.  This article delves into the lives of six caddies at Vipingo Ridge, highlighting their backgrounds, daily routines, challenges, and aspirations.

The Unsung Heroes

Davas Nyale

Davas Nyale, a resident of Bureni Village, has been a caddie at Vipingo Ridge for over a decade. With a handicap index of 5.1, Davas not only caddies, but also plays golf with great passion.  His journey began with a recommendation letter from the area chief, leading to his training and subsequent employment at Vipingo Ridge. Davas finds immense reward in the times he gets to caddie during high-profile tournaments like the 2023 and 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open, where his players consistently made the cut, giving him the full experience of a major international tournament.

Fatuma Ali 

Fatuma Ali, a 30-year-old from Shariani Village, has experienced various roles at Vipingo Ridge, including a trainee waitress and a caddie. The journey was not without its challenges, especially as a female caddie. Fatuma thrives on the flexibility of the job, which allows her to pursue entrepreneurial ventures during low seasons.  Fatuma enjoys the presence of the Wildlife on the golf course, such as giraffe and zebras.  However, one time as she was searching for a ball that fell into the wild fauna and flora, she came face to face with a snake, which to this day has been one of her most memorable experiences and a reminder of the wilderness surrounding the golf course.

Menson Mwamye 

Menson Mwamye, a resident of Vipingo Village, has dedicated a decade to caddying and is passionate about the sport and Vipingo Ridge. His routine involves waiting for clients in the caddy shade and once he meet’s a client he is very eager to pass on his knowledge and be as helpful as possible. He feels that caddies received handsome rewards when they go above and beyond to deliver value to players. Menson's proficiency in French and background as a tour guide, enrich his interactions with international guests. While he aspires to transition fully into tour guiding, he remains committed to his role at Vipingo Ridge, providing exceptional service when opportunities arise.

Asia Kadzo 

Asia Kadzo's journey to caddying started in 2019 after working as a housekeeper for a homeowner at Vipingo Ridge. Training for six months, she has since built a reputation for herself, securing a consistent caddie role with a specific member. Asia's aspirations extend beyond caddying; she dreams of becoming a professional golfer. Her insights into the course's superior greens and challenging overgrown roughs provide valuable perspectives to players.

Lucas Ali

 Lucas Ali's connection to Vipingo Ridge dates back to its inception when he worked as a greenkeeper. Transitioning to a caddie after training by European guests, Lucas leverages his in-depth knowledge of the course to provide exceptional service. His commitment is evident in his ability to advise players effectively, contributing to their victories. Despite the influx of tourists and international players, Lucas hopes for more inclusion of local caddies in larger tournaments.

Moses Cyrus

Moses Cyrus Epili has been a caddie at Vipingo Ridge since 2009, starting through the Glad House orphan sponsorship program. His job has helped support his family, including funding a sibling's university education. Moses's day typically involves waiting for clients and striving to ensure their satisfaction. He values golf knowledge, attention to detail, and good player interactions. Notably, he was recognized for his honesty in returning lost money to a player. Aspiring to become a golf professional, he appreciates the opportunity to interact with international players and enjoys the clean, well-maintained course at Vipingo Ridge. Moses wishes more people understood that caddying, while potentially lucrative, is a fulfilling and important profession.

Although most of the caddies are from the surrounding areas, they all have different backgrounds and aspirations, with a shared passion for golf and shared similar view on these topics:

Skill and Knowledge 

Caddying at Vipingo Ridge requires more than just physical endurance. Good communication skills, in-depth knowledge of golf, and familiarity with the course are essential. Caddies like Davas and Lucas emphasize the importance of understanding the game to provide valuable advice to players, impacting their performance significantly.

Gender Dynamics 

Fatuma Ali's experience highlights the unique challenges faced by female caddies, as the less dominant gender. Navigating gender-specific issues requires resilience and support systems.  Vipingo Ridge supports gender inclusivity across its entire business, which includes support for female caddies.

Career Aspirations 

Many caddies harbor aspirations beyond their current roles. Davas dreams of playing golf nationally and internationally, while Asia aims to become a professional golfer. Others, like Lucas and Menson, seek opportunities in housekeeping and tour guiding, respectively. These aspirations reflect their desire for growth and stability, both within and outside the realm of golf.

The caddies of Vipingo Ridge are the unsung heroes of the golfing community. Their dedication, knowledge, and passion for the game significantly enhance the golfing experience for players. As the golfing world continues to evolve, the voices of these caddies remind us of the heart and soul behind every successful round of golf.