Golf Triumph and Growth: Naomi's 2024
In this blog we discuss 2024 with Kenya’s number one female golfer - Naomi Wafula.
2024 has been a great year for Naomi Wafula, a golfer, US Certified Kids Coach, and social influencer supported by Vipingo Ridge. Her journey has been marked by incredible achievements, invaluable lessons, and moments of inspiration that have shaped her both on and off the golf course.
Top 6 Highlights of the Year
Naomi has competed in 19 tournaments this year, travelling around Africa, and has placed top 10 in 10 of the events (many of them Men’s events for tour points).
The Magical Kenya Ladies Open was hosted at Vipingo Ridge in February 2024 was a brilliant opportunity to showcase her talent on her home course.
She also proudly Captained Team Kenya in the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational held at Leopard Creek, South Africa.
Her crowning moment of 2024 came when she claimed the Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU) Matchplay Championship Title.
Another remarkable performance was at the Kiambu Open from 15th-17th November 2024, where she secured a hard-fought second place despite challenging weather conditions. Naomi was defending her ceiling-breaking, history-making title of the first ever female winner of a Kenyan amateur golf mens event in Kiambu in 2023.
Naomi is selected as the Captain for the Kenya team in Morocco for the All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) in Morocco this coming weekend.
We also asked Naomi what the key focus areas have been for her in 2024 as she broadens her scope beyond just golf, while delivering some fantastic performances on the course.
Training at Vipingo Ridge
Naomi credits much of her success to the support and facilities at Vipingo Ridge including training with PGA Professional David Marsh at the PGA Academy which has honed her technique and elevated her performance.
The PGA Baobab Course provides Naomi with a world-class practice environment, surrounded by serene wildlife and breathtaking coastal landscapes.
2024 has been the year of the gym for Naomi, she has been focussed on her diet and been documenting her golfer lifestyle on social media to a growing audience. Regular sessions at the Vipingo Ridge gym have fuelled her passion for fitness and enhanced her strength and overall well-being.
Inspiring Young Talent
Naomi trains children from five local schools namely Vipingo Primary, Chodari Primary, Future Hope School, Gongoni Primary, and Vipingo Central through the Vipingo Ridge Junior Golf Clinic Program. When not travelling for tournaments, every Tuesday afternoon Naomi spends time with the kids inspiring them to try something new, building confidence, focussing on punctuality and sportsmanship - all great qualities for the children in their futures.
Through her coaching, she aims to nurture their talent and create opportunities for success stories in Kenya Junior Golf.
Naomi was also one of the coaching team at the Junior Golf Camp held in the Octoebr half term. Students from Uganda and Kenya joined our elite team for a 3-day camp at the PGA Academy.
Promoting Women in Business
Naomi pictured with Kilifi County CECM Gender, Culture, Youth Affairs, Sports and Social Services Dr Ruth Dama Masha
As part of the build up to the Kilifi County International Investment Conference (KCIIC) to be held at Vipingo Ridge 4th to 6th November hosts Kilifi County hosted its first Women in Business Forum. The focus of the event was to engage these key stakeholders in the upcoming Conference, celebrate the talent in Kiligi and inspire the women of County to engage in the KCIIC. Naomi represented Vipingo Ridge and women in sports as a delegate and speaker at the Kilifi County Women in Business Forum.
Tourism Advocacy
At the Governor’s Cup in Malindi, Naomi’s participation contributed to promoting Kilifi County’s potential as a global tourism destination.
Naomi was invited by the Governor of Kilifi County H.E. Gideon Mung'aro to participate in the Governor’s Cup at the nearby coastal course of Malindi. As a top sportsperson in the Country, Naomi represents not only the best of golf talent at the Coast but the whole of Kenya.
Golf tourism is a key strategic focus for Vipingo Ridge, recently Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano visited Vipingo Ridge for the first time to learn more about the tourist ready asset to the national tourism agenda.
Social Influence
Naomi has become an inspiration to many, sharing her lifestyle of golf, fitness, and travel with her growing audience. She hopes that her journey motivates others to pursue their passions while embracing a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Facing Challenges with Resilience
While 2024 was filled with successes, Naomi also encountered challenges. As with every sports person, and particularly golf, there are no guarantees.
Missing the cut at the Magical Kenya Ladies Open, a Ladies European Tour (LET) event held at Vipingo Ridge was a blow. It was not what she expected after making history the prior year as the only Kenyan player ever to make the cut in the LET. This February experience fuelled her determination to keep striving for greatness and helped shape 2024.
Finishing 2024 as Kenya Captain in Morocco
As the year concludes, Naomi is preparing for more significant tournaments.
All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) in Morocco (November 26–28), where she will proudly lead Team Kenya as Captain. Here Naomi is pictured with her fellow players Bianca Ngecu and Mercy Nyanchama. This opportunity is through the Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU) and the team are managed by Jane Babsa Nzibo KLGU Chairman.
Goals for 2025
Naomi aims to advance her golf career by competing internationally, improving her world ranking, and representing Vipingo Ridge and Kenya at large on global stages.
Mentoring young talent through the Vipingo Ridge Junior Golf Clinic Program and creating sponsorship opportunities.
Promoting fitness and wellness as she continues her journey of physical and mental strength.
Becoming a motivational speaker to share her story and inspire others.
Promoting and highlighting Vipingo Ridge and Kilifi County as a prime tourism destination through her platform.
A Message of Gratitude
Naomi extends her heartfelt thanks to Vipingo Ridge, the Members and her other supporters for their invaluable contributions to her success. All have been instrumental in her journey. From providing top-notch facilities to promote her growth as a golfer, Vipingo Ridge remains a vital part of her success story, and she relies on the support of sponsors to continue her journey as a Kenyan sportswomen, coach and inspiration to many.
