Nestled amidst the breathtaking vistas of the Kenyan coastal ridge, lies a golfer’s paradise that’s the envy of the world.
This private residential and golfing utopia sprawls across 2,500 acres, boasting an 18-hole championship golf course known for its majestic Baobab course design.
Vipingo Ridge, designed by legendary Northern Ireland professional and the winner of the 1989 Kenyan Open, David Jones, is Africa’s only PGA-branded golf course.
Picture yourself playing a round at this highly-valued golf destination.
On one side, you’re treated to sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, its turquoise waters sparkling under the African sun, while on the other, you witness the mesmerizing spectacle of an African bush sunset.
This unique blend of coastal beauty and natural wonder has made Vipingo Ridge a hotbed of activity as it is now the home of the Magical Kenya Ladies Open.
Vipingo Ridge’s allure goes beyond the greens, offering residents a private beach club, a private airstrip, a network of man-made lakes, nature trails, and a state-of-the-art conference facility.
The global acclaim for this golfing oasis was solidified when it was crowned the best golf course in Kenya by the prestigious United Kingdom-based Top 100 Golf Courses website in 2015.
Behind this golfing masterpiece stands David Jones, a name synonymous with excellence in golfing scenes. Born in 1947, the Irish first came to Kenya in 1970 to compete in the Kenya Open championship.
In a story that epitomizes passion, talent, and dedication, Golf Score reveals the intriguing journey that led to his remarkable design of the Vipingo Ridge golf course.
Jones’ journey to golf course design was anything but conventional, beginning with a decision to pursue his golfing passion rather than architecture studies at the university.
He took on the role of an assistant pro in Oxford, working tirelessly to improve his game, eventually achieving remarkable success, including 31 international course records.
In 1987, he stepped into the world of coaching, nurturing the talents of stars like Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley, and Darren Clarke.
However, his transition to golf course design was somewhat serendipitous when Killarney Golf Club in Ireland sought his expertise to enhance the ‘Killeen’ course for the 1988 Irish Open.
His work earned the admiration of tour players and marked the beginning of a remarkable career in golf course design.
In 2005, investors at Vipingo Ridge recognized Jones’s talent and entrusted him with designing a two-course golf course.
The project took three years to complete and was a marvel of technology, involving the management of water challenges with streams flowing gracefully from the elevated clubhouse.