Royal Golf Club, Nairobi
The golf course was established in 1906 as a recreational facility for the British Kings Africa Riffles the colonial army unit. The prestigious golf course that started as a 9 hole with sand green and a basic club house have over the years developed into a reputable all green 18 holes golf course and one of Kenya’s top 10 courses. The golf course also enjoys an unmatched network with other golf clubs in the world and reciprocates all royal chartered golf courses worldwide. In 1984 the golf course was fitted with an irrigation system and repairs made on the greens making it one of the all weather golf course in Kenya.
The golf course
The golf course is a standard par 72 covering a yardage of 6892 yards for men and 5806 yards for ladies. The golf course is in super excellent condition with a team of manual workers set aside to maintain the green and check the drainage system. The golf club committee also meet every year to discuss redesigning and introducing new features that keeps the golf course updated to the modern standards. Here, the front nine which was the original layout of the golf course is relatively flat. The back nine are undulating and hilly presenting a uniquely different challenge. The soil structure is also different. The challenge in this golf course goes on its length and several water features the most unique being a large dam between 15th and 16th hole. The dam also serves as the source of water used to irrigate the greens. The toughest holes in the course are 16th, 17th and 18th which serves to test the finishing strength of a worthy champion. Notably, the golf course has previously been used for major golf tournaments most popular being East Africa ladies open.
Besides, the Royal Golf Club has one of the best driving range in the country where one can easily hit the driver when practicing. To help in short game practice there is a bunker and a practice chipping which will help you evaluate your accuracy. In the recent time, the driving range has been installed with flood lights to enable night practice.
Proshop
The proshop is the epicenter of the golf club. The shop is fully stocked with equipments for both beginners and professional golfers. You will fast check into the proshop where you pay the green fees before proceeding to the golf course or driving range.
Charges
Though the golf course is mostly used by members visitors are allowed to play at Ksh 4000 for 18 holes on weekends and Ksh 3000 on weekdays. To play 9 holes you pay Ksh 2000 on weekends and Ksh 1500. If you are signed in by a member you can have a fee cut for 18 holes to Ksh 1500 on weekdays and Ksh 2000 on weekends. We recommend you to book your tee time at least one week earlier to guarantee a slot. It is also mandatory for visitors to hire a caddy at the Royal Golf Club. Being situated in the urban area caddies are quite affordable charging Ksh 1000 for 18 holes and Ksh 500 for 9 holes.
Why should choose Royal golf course for your golfing safari
1. Quality golf course
The golf course is regularly renovated to meet expectations for a championship golf course. There is an operational irrigation system that water the greens, a well fitted drainage system and a team of manual workers attached to ensure the golf course is in proper conditions.
2. It is a good choice for starters
The golf course has a floodlit driving range which beginners can use to develop their golfing skills.
3. Good for business meetings
Nairobi is arguably the business powerhouse of East Africa with many international companies and organisations being based in the city. Royal golf club has one of the best conference venues where you can hold a business conference. In addition, if you are looking for a small low-key venue where you can meet a few of your business partners and possibly cut a deal, you can rent a boardroom venue offered at affordable rates.
Beyond the golf course
- The swimming pool. Tucked in the shadows of a tropical woodland the royal golf club swimming pool is the right place to relax and unwind after a long day in the golf course. There are relaxation shades on the side where you can chill as you sip your drink.
- The spa. The spa facilities include the steam, sauna as well as massage. This is the last solace of golfers to put the body, mind and soul together.
- The royal gym. It is one of the most highly ranked gyms in Nairobi. The gym is fully stocked with equipment and there is a team of coaches to assist you get along with your fitness activities.
- Visit the giraffe center. The center is less than 20 kms from the golf course and one of Kenya most popular wildlife conservation center set aside to look after the Rothschild giraffe common in Lake Nakuru National Park and Murchison falls park in Uganda. Here, you will feed the long-necked animals from the feeding towers set on the periphery of the sanctuary.
- Go for a safari at Nairobi National park. After spending the morning at the golf course, you can take an afternoon break by going all out for game viewing in the world’s only national park that is located inside a city. Here, you will sight all the big five in the sweeping pen savannah plains, a spectacular eyeshot of nature often defied by the dramatic contrast in the towering sky scrapers on the backdrop.
- Go out for Nairobi safari walk. Part of the National Park is the animal orphanage which is the largest animal orphanage in the country carrying different animals rescued from different parks in Kenya. Most of the animals came here as cubs after they were orphaned at an age where they had little chances of survival. Others were victims of unnatural risk mostly infringed by human interference. The most common animals you will find in cages here include: lions, hyena, cheetah and jackal. Each cage has a label describing the life of the enclosed animal.
Accommodation
Even though the Royal Golf Club does not have an accommodation facility on site, that the golf club is situated within the capital leads an endless list of options you can choose from depending on your budget and desired comfort. We, however, recommend hotels close to the golf course where it is easy to commute to the golf course. These include: The monarch, Ibis style, Nairobi and Sarova Stanley.
