The 2022 Deaflympics bronze medalist Isaac Makokha has his eyes set on the gold medal in the World Deaf Golf Championship 2024 in Australia.
The 14th World Deaf Golf Championship 2024 will be held from August 24 to 29 at Royal Pines Golf Club in Australia.
Makokha, who was on Sunday crowned the winner of the Uhuru Shield title at the par 72 Royal Golf Club, Nairobi, said he will also focus on bringing home a gold medal from the 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan, in 2025.
In 2022, Makokha made history when he won a medal at the 24th Summer Deaflympics in Caxias Do Sul, Brazil after edging German Guldan Nico in a thrilling third-place play-off.
The Uhuru Shield title is Makokha’s maiden Kenya Amateur Golf Championships (KAGC) series victory. He is currently ranked 16th in the KAGC series after playing in 15 events in 2023.
At Royal Nairobi Club, Makokha, the 2020 Kenya Amateur Matchplay champion, edged John Lejirma in the 18th-hole play-off.
They had tied at 218 in the regular 54-hole three-day tournament that kicked off on Friday.
“I am determined to secure gold medals in the World Deaf Golf Championship 2024 in Australia and the 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan, in 2025. By setting and achieving these goals, I aim to continue breaking barriers, inspiring others, and contributing to the growth of Deaf golf on a global scale,” he told Golf Score.
Makokha’s victory at Royal Nairobi Club comes barely a week after he clinched the sixth position during the 53rd Nyali Open tourney in Mombasa.
“Coming in at position six during the Nyali Open was a crucial learning experience that fueled my growth. It taught me valuable lessons, helping me analyze and improve my game. The challenges I faced in that competition became stepping stones for success,” he said.
He added, “The experience in Nyali motivated me to work harder, refine my skills, and strategize better. It wasn’t just about the position, but the lessons learned that paved the way for my success in winning the Uhuru Shield.”
He said his victory in the Uhuru Shield tournament was influenced by several crucial factors, including support from his wife.
“Firstly, prayer and the unwavering support and encouragement from my wife played a significant role, providing emotional strength,” he said.
In terms of gameplay, he prioritized accurate ball striking rather than solely relying on power.
“Diligent attention to course management was another key aspect, navigating each hole with careful planning,” he said.
Makokha’s golf journey began at age 12.
Driven by determination, he said, he worked as a caddy for 10 years.
“Challenges in job pursuits led to a decade as a caddy. Mr. David Kihara’s mentorship and sponsorship shaped me, with David Evans supporting me as a deaf golfer,” he said.
He said from simple passion, golf has become a transformative journey, impacting his life in ways he never imagined.
He said, that despite communication barriers, he has adapted to using Kenyan sign language and written notes during the golfing events.
“Golf is not just a game; it has changed my life. It is not only about hitting balls; it is about the connections and experiences. Golf brought discipline, helping me win bronze at the 2022 Deaflympics,” he said.
He said there are a lot of misconceptions about deaf golfers.
“Some underestimate our abilities due to hearing impairments. I challenge them by showcasing my achievements, proving that deaf golfers excel on par with others. By breaking stereotypes through my performance, I aim to inspire inclusivity and recognition for deaf individuals in the golfing community,” he said.
Makokha’s end goal is to coach the deaf children golfer in Kenya.
“My primary goal is to coach deaf children golfers in Kenya, provided I have enough funds. I aspire to share my experiences and skills, fostering a new generation of golf enthusiasts,” he said.
His parting shot.
“I want to tell aspiring deaf athletes: Embrace challenges; they are stepping stones, believe in yourself, work hard, and let your passion guide you to success.”
