Jacquelyne Walter: You have to play from the rough, not just the fairway

As her place in the Ladies European Tour (LET) Magical Kenya Ladies Open (MKLO) 2024 is confirmed for this February, we catch up with the inspiring Vipingo Ridge PGA Academy talent Jacky.

We learn more about her story and how important golf is in her daily life and her future. Before we hear from Jacky, the context of her journey is important to establish how her grit and determination have carved her path to the confident golfer at Vipingo Ridge.

Humble beginnings, iron determination

When you see Jacky around the Clubhouse, she has fantastic confidence and an almost ‘rock star’ energy; you can see she is special. On meeting her to discuss her inspiring story, she is very clear that she isn’t defined by her start in life, more by the steps she has taken to improve her situation.

Orphaned at a young age in Nyanza Province, her extended relatives decided she was destined to be married young when she finished primary school. Jacky had other ideas.

After finding herself a sponsor (Mr. Kiziah) for secondary school, she set off to boarding school and never looked back. After secondary school she followed her older sister to the Kenya coast in search of an opportunity to change her life. Jacky’s sister was a waitress at Vipingo Ridge.

‘Why are people so mad about this game?’ Discovering Golf

Starting out as a domestic helper at Vipingo Ridge, Jacky showed herself to be reliable and hard working. She saved money and put herself through computer school. Vipingo Ridge Golf Director Saleem Haji was impressed.

He offered her an opportunity to work in office administration in the PGA Baobab Course Pro Shop. Alongside her responsibilities, Jacky continued to develop herself, pursuing a course in accounting, before switching to project management.

Being in the golfing department it was almost inevitable she would pick up a club. She was curious about how people could get so frustrated and angry they would break their clubs, and was intrigued by a sport that would inspire such emotion.

From the first swing

Offering Jacky a chance to hit some balls on the driving range after work, as part of her having more of an understanding of the game, resulted in an unexpected turn of events for supportive Saleem:

“From that first swing. It was just beautiful. Alongside great form Jacky also had power. Some things can’t be taught.”

This was 2018, and as well as innate capability Jacky also had something else: “Some people have talent but not the dedication. I have never known anyone as focussed and committed as Jacky when she sets her mind to something.” Commented Saleem.

For almost three years Jacky made golf a part of her routine. In 2021 she welcomed a baby with her partner and golfed throughout her pregnancy.

It took time for her to venture from the range to the course, and when in 2023 she was invited to play in the Magical Kenya Ladies Open it was only her 6th start in competitive tournament golf. Jacky described this moment as ‘a dream come true’.

Now she’s back competing once again in the LET 2024 season opener, we caught up with her about daily life at Vipingo Ridge and what’s next:

A model of dedication: Golf. Gym. Repeat.

Vipingo Ridge [VR]: Saleem has described you as one of the most dedicated people he has ever met. What does daily life look like for you?

Jacky Walter [JW]: My responsibilities in the Vipingo Ridge team range from Pro shop office administration, starting tournaments and of course playing golf. It is important if you want to get really good at golf to also focus on gaining strength, stability and mobility. I go to the gym six days a week. On Sunday I look after my daughter, which is not exactly a day of rest, but otherwise I would probably be in the gym every day.

Every day I hit balls. If I don’t go to the gym or hit balls, it does not sit right with me. If I hit 50 balls any stress or sadness is taken away. It’s in my blood.

VR: What is it about golf that has captured this level of dedication?

JW: Golf humbled me. It is just you and the ball. You cannot lie to yourself. If it falls in the rough, you have to play from the rough, you can’t move it or make it easier. You have to be honest. It’s not about just playing from the fairway.

I really respect Vipingo Ridge for taking care of me. From the driving range, access to the amazing technology in the PGA Academy, opportunities to play 36 holes if I like, I won’t find anywhere else like it. This is home.

Ladies European Tour 2024 entry

VR : Congratulations as you join the Kenya team at the Magical Kenya Ladies Open. This will be your second time playing in the LET. What does the event have in store?

JW: I give thanks to God for the opportunity to play in 2023 and I’m very grateful to Dirk of Ucom for inviting me to play in 2024. I am more experienced this year and hope to build on my  experience from last year, but if I don’t make the cut, I will be straight back into action helping the event and supporting the team. It’s my way of giving back as a thank you.  

Golfing future: the PGA awaits

VR: You’ve chosen to pursue an application to the UK Professional Golf Association (PGA) to become a PGA Pro. Why have you selected that direction for your golfing career?

JW: As an amateur golfer it’s tough path to chase tournaments and can be difficult without sponsors. I need to think to the future and to provide for my daughter. As a technical coach, providing lessons and working with a Pro Shop I will create more stable way forward for my family.

VR: You must be one of the first Kenyan women to apply for the PGA?

JW: I am pretty sure that I am the first Kenyan to make this my chosen path. I want to encourage other young people and caddies that if you put your heart into it you can move forward. I always think, ‘why not me?’ When I commit to something, I must do it.

Watch Vipingo Ridge’s Jacqueline Walter in the upcoming 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open, proudly representing Kenya in the Ladies European Tour season opener.

UPDATE 28th January 2024: We are delighted to share that Jacky has received her conditional offer from the PGA UK. She will be heading the UK later this year as part of her training all being well. This fantastic news for Jacky and women’s golf in Kenya as she trailblazes for others who would like to pursue a career in golf.