Junior Golf Foundation Kenya Bolstered by DP World’s Donation of 24,000 Golf Balls

NAIROBI – In a significant boost to grassroots golf in Kenya, the Junior Golf Foundation Kenya (JGF) has received a substantial donation of golf balls from DP World, the global logistics giant and leading partner of the DP World Tour.

According to Kenya News Agency, the contribution of 24,000 golf balls is part of DP World’s ‘second life’ container initiative, aimed at collecting used and surplus golf balls to foster the growth of golf at the grassroots level. This initiative aligns with the government’s bottom-up approach to sports talent commercialization. “This donation will assist in propelling Kenya to become a world sports powerhouse,” Namwamba stated.

The Secretary highlighted the country’s progress in the sport, referencing Michael Karanga’s standing as the 83rd amateur golfer globally. He attributed such achievements to partnerships with organizations like DP World and the European Tour, which he anticipates will produce more talents like Karanga.

Namwamba expressed gratitude towards the PGA European Tour’s CEO Keith Pelley, recalling their agreement from a meeting in Dubai last year during the DP World Tour Championship. He underscored the importance of continued collaborations and partnerships in advancing golf in Kenya.

Commendations were extended to the four Kenyan ladies who secured second place at the recent EACAAT championship in Kigali, with special mention of juniors Ashley Awuor and Bianca Ngecu for their exceptional performance. Namwamba’s appreciation also went to the Junior Golf Foundation, led by President Regina Gachora, for their dedication to nurturing junior talent.

The golf balls from DP World will be distributed to 30 golf clubs throughout Kenya, aimed at nurturing young golfers as young as five years old. JGF has already established a network of 47 coaches nationwide and has provided golf club sets to local clubs as learning tools.

Danny van Otterdijk, Chief Communications Officer at DP World, remarked on the company’s commitment to supporting junior golf in Kenya and globally, praising the ‘second life’ container initiative for its positive community impact.

Maria Grandinetti-Milton, Head of Sustainability at the European Tour group, discussed the near two-year support of the DP World initiative, emphasizing the donation’s role in bolstering young talent in Kenya and making golf more accessible.

JGF President Regina Gachora expressed her gratitude for the donation, noting its completion of the junior training program by providing children with access to necessary equipment and coaching. She also outlined plans for a program that will offer free range balls to juniors at golf clubs.

The ‘second life’ container of DP World has collected over 230,000 golf balls during the 2022 and 2023 DP World Tour season, with a focus on repurposing them for the development of junior golf.