When people think of golf in Africa, they often see it as a sport for the wealthy, played on expansive, manicured courses. But in Ndumberi, a small village in Kiambu, golf has always been different. Thanks to the humble yet historic St. Andrews Ndumberi Golf Course, golf is never just a rich man’s game—it is part of our everyday life.This might just be the smallest golf course in the world, measuring only 860 yards with a par of 27. So compact is Ndumberi Golf Course that you could sprint from one end to the other with ease. Yet, despite its size, it has produced some of Kenya’s finest amateur golfers, proving that talent, dedication, and opportunity matter more than grandeur.
Ndumberi golf course
A Multi-Sport Hub with a Golfing Legacy
Ndumberi Golf Course, also known as Ndumberi Stadium, isn’t just for golf. It also serves as a football, volleyball, and basketball facility and even hosts a police post and public car park. For those who plays other sports, they normally have to wait for their turn—the schedule is divided between golf and football.
This small but significant course has had notable patrons over the years, including former Attorney General Githu Muigai, former MP Njenga Karume, and businessman S.K. Macharia. Originally established in the 1960s as a training ground for golf enthusiasts, it has now become the breeding ground for champions.
The Rise of Kenya’s Best Amateur Golfer
The biggest success story from this tiny course is Michael Karanga, currently Kenya’s best amateur golfer. Born and raised in Ndumberi, Karanga first picked up the game at Ndumberi Golf Course while attending Karunga Primary School before advancing to Kiambu Golf Club.
His hard work paid off spectacularly in 2024, when he won Golfer of the Year and was named the LG/Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Sports Personality of the Month for November 2024. Karanga’s achievements have put Ndumberi on the map, proving that a world-class golfer can emerge from the most unexpected places.
Michael karanga during a previous tournament.
Next Generation: Elvis Muigua Gatuhi
Hot on Karanga’s heels is another rising star from Ndumberi, Elvis Muigua Gatuhi. Like Karanga, Muigua trained at Ndumberi before moving on to Kiambu Golf Club. In 2024, he won prestigious tournaments such as the NCBA Faldo Series Kenya Championship, Windsor Classic, and Sigona Bowl. He also represented Kenya in the Africa Amateur Golf Championships in South Africa.
Muigua is mentored by his village mate and club mate, Michael Karanga, proving that success breeds success.
Elvis Muigua at a previous tournament.
Ndumberi’s Golfing Future
Despite these incredible achievements, many people in Ndumberi and Kenya at large remain unaware of the impact our small village has had on the game of golf. While golf may not yet be a mainstream sport in Kenya, our homegrown talent is celebrated internationally.
As we witness the rise of champions like Karanga and Muigua, there has never been a better time to be proud of Ndumberi. From the smallest golf course, we are producing the biggest stars.
Karanga and Muigua, keep shining!
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Karanga at Ndumberi golf course during his training days.
2 Comments
Not forgetting the mentorship of our kids by Mike Karanga
another generation of golfers is on the rise through MKG foundation
Very true