Golf is often seen as a sport reserved for the wealthy.
However, Kamau Nyabwengi, founder and Chief Executive officer of Young Entrepreneurs Network (YEN) Golf, sees a different future—one where golf is accessible to everyone.
Kamau and his dedicated team have made it their goal to make golf accessible to all, nurturing a love for the game from the grassroots up.
Founded in 2017, YEN Golf has now blossomed into a powerhouse, reaching golf clubs across the country with its unique approach to developing golf enthusiasts into skilled players.
The program was established at the Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club, and over the years, it has expanded its reach to renowned golf clubs among them Muthaiga Golf Club, Golf Park, and Nakuru Golf Club.
“I passionately envision a future where golf becomes a dynamic tool for entrepreneurs and professionals, empowering them to elevate their businesses and careers to new heights,” said Kamau.
The program is open to everyone, promoting inclusivity and diversity within the golfing community. The demographic statistics highlight the program’s appeal to a wide range of individuals, reflecting the universality of golf as a sport.
“I believe that golf has the transformative power to cultivate essential skills like strategic thinking, networking, and leadership, which are paramount in today’s competitive landscape,” he said.
At YEN Golf, Kamau said they are dedicated to nurturing individuals, not just as golfers, but as strategic players in life, contributing to a profound transformation in the golfing world.
“The program was conceived with the mission to provide accessible and high-quality golf training, breaking barriers that often hinder individuals from taking up the sport,” said Kamau.
He said YEN Golf was established with entrepreneurs and professionals in mind, and has for the past seven years become a contributor to golf tourism, transforming the golfing landscape in Kenya.
“It has also become a leading force in golf training, catering to individuals of various age groups and skill levels,” explained Kamau.
At Yen Golf, Kamau works with Professional golf trainer David Opati, who has over 15 years of experience in golf and stands as one of the few golf pros in the country trained to teach the sport.
Others in his team are Brian Kimotho (Digital and Marketing Lead), Muthoni Ndirangu (Communications and Admin Lead), and Ryan Nganga (Logistics and Operations Lead).
They have all been instrumental in shaping the program’s success, said Kamau.
Since its inception, YEN Golf has successfully trained 71 cohorts, totaling over 1,700 golfers, creating a diverse community of golf enthusiasts.
Out of the 1,700 trained, over 200 individuals have grown in the sport to obtain handicaps and go on to win golf tournaments, showcasing the program’s effectiveness and impact in the golfing space
The sport’s ability to bring people together is harnessed to create relationships that go beyond the golf course. Participants get the chance to play at various golf courses, contributing to the growth of the local golfing industry.
“YEN Golf does not just stop at training; it actively contributes to the golfing culture by organizing tournaments,” he said.
The YEN Golf community has transcended the boundaries of the sport, becoming a hub for networking and business opportunities.
“Many businesses have flourished through connections made within the YEN Golf community, emphasizing the program’s impact off the course. As YEN Golf continues to make strides in the world of golf training, its impact on sport and tourism in Kenya is undeniable,” he said.
Michael Zeni Malenya, one of the YEN Golf alumni, said he joined the program between January and March 2023, and he has been able to traverse the country’s finest courses.
“Today, I proudly bear the titles of YEN Golf Alumni Challenge Champion and reigning victor of the Alumni Golf Challenge,” said Malenya.
Teddy Thayu, yet another alumnus of Yen Golf, said he was glad to learn golf from professional golfer David Opati.
“This experience, of learning and growing under the guidance of of a seasoned professional, planted a seed of love for golf that would soon flourish into something extraordinary. Today, as I look back on my journey, it is filled with with gratitude for the opportunities that came its way,” he said.
He added, “YenGolf Academy not only taught me how to play golf but also instilled a deep-rooted passion for the game, a passion that continues to drive me towards new heights of success.”
Additionally, YEN Golf has extended its influence to the younger generation, developing a junior program aimed at making golf accessible to children and teenagers.
The junior program not only introduces the sport to a new demographic but also identifies and nurtures promising golf talents from an early age.
Through its junior program, YEN Golf is grooming the next generation of golfers, ensuring that no talent goes unnoticed.
Kamau said he dreams of seeing golf become a staple in school curriculums, providing opportunities for children to discover the joys of the sport early on.
YEN Golf envisions a future where golf becomes an integral part of school curricula, promoting talent development and exposing children to the benefits of the sport, said Kamau.
Through partnerships with universities, YEN Golf is opening doors for students to network and grow, both on and off the course.