At just 27 years old, Naomi Angela Wafula has etched her name in Kenya’s sporting history. Known simply as Naomi, she is the first woman ever to join the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK), breaking barriers in a sport long dominated by men.
For Naomi, turning pro was only the beginning. Her eyes are now set on international tours, including the Ladies European Tour, as she works to elevate Kenyan golf on the global stage.
“I want to play on the international tours. Going to Q-School and competing abroad is the next step,” she says with determination.
Naomi is only the second Kenyan woman to turn professional, but the first to officially join PGK. Earlier this year, she made her debut in the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, competing as the only female professional in a field dominated by men.
The tour, which offers Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, is crucial for Olympic qualification and provides a pathway to the prestigious Sunshine Tour in South Africa.
Currently, Naomi is competing in Rwanda for her first international tournament as a professional, marking another milestone for women’s golf in East Africa.
From Kitale to the world stage
Naomi’s journey began in Kitale, where she was raised by her mother, a seamstress, before being taken under the wing of her aunt, Rose Naliaka, a pioneer golfer.
“My aunt Rose introduced me to tennis, swimming, and eventually golf,” Naomi recalls. “She brought me to Nairobi and nurtured my talent.”
Life, however, was far from easy. At one point, Naomi was forced to sell chips on the streets of Kitale to survive. Her fortunes turned when a betting company offered sponsorship, reigniting her golf career and eventually leading her to Vipingo Ridge, a premier golf facility on Kenya’s coast.
Training at Vipingo Ridge
Since 2022, Naomi has trained at Vipingo Ridge, where she enjoys free access to world-class facilities. Using advanced equipment like the G-Squad machine and guided by PGA Pro David Marsh, she has sharpened her swing and overall performance.
Her dedication paid off in 2023 when she became the first Kenyan woman to make the cut at the Ladies European Tour, earning her invitations to play in Europe.
Naomi also follows a rigorous gym routine five days a week to build strength and endurance, balancing technical training with fitness.
Overcoming challenges
Like many athletes, Naomi faces the challenge of funding her career. Travelling to tournaments and securing sponsorships remain significant hurdles.
“Golf is expensive, and since I joined the professional tour later than others, most sponsors were already taken,” she explains. “But I believe if I continue playing well, the sponsors will come.”
Despite the struggles, Naomi embraces the journey with positivity. She finds joy in travelling, meeting new people, and learning from different cultures.
Inspiring the next generation
Naomi sees herself not just as a competitor, but also as a role model for young Kenyan girls who dream of pursuing golf.
“There are so many girls out there with talent,” she says. “I tell them to keep dreaming, stay positive, and work with what they have. Appreciate the journey—because that’s where the magic happens.”
Her resilience, optimism, and trailblazing spirit are redefining women’s golf in Kenya and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
