Naomi Angela Wafula, popularly known as Naomi, is rewriting Kenya’s golf history and inspiring a new generation of female golfers to dream bigger. At just 27 years old, she has become the first woman to join the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK) and only the second-ever female professional golfer in the country. For Naomi, turning professional was just the beginning—her ambitions are now set on competing on the world stage and flying the Kenyan flag high.
Breaking Barriers in Kenyan Golf
Naomi’s journey into professional golf marks a significant milestone not only in her personal career but also in Kenya’s sporting landscape. Currently competing in Rwanda at her first international tournament as a professional, Naomi is showcasing Kenyan talent on the global stage.
“I want to play on the international tours. I want to play on the Ladies European Tour. Go to Q-School. So, for me, achieving my first goal and dream of being the first woman professional on the PGK is just a path,” she says.
Her participation on the international stage is a proud moment for Kenyan golf and sets the stage for future female golfers seeking opportunities in a sport long dominated by men.
A Trailblazer at the Sunshine Development Tour
In August 2025, Naomi made her debut in the women’s field at the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, becoming the only professional woman on the start list. The tour included a double-header in Mombasa, with the third leg held at Nyali Golf & Country Club (August 4–6) and the fourth leg at Diamonds Leisure, South Coast (August 9–11).
The Sunshine Development Tour is the only East African golf event that offers Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, which are critical for Olympic qualification and a pathway to elite international tours, including the Sunshine Tour in South Africa.
“With these two tours ongoing right here, my goal is to participate in as many as I can and hopefully earn the opportunity to play on the Sunshine Tour in South Africa or go to Q-School in Europe,” Naomi explains.
Humble Beginnings in Kitale
Naomi’s rise to golf stardom started far from the lush greens of Vipingo Ridge. Born and raised in Kitale, she was introduced to the sport at the age of six by her aunt, Rose Naliaka, a pioneer in women’s golf in Kenya.
“My aunt Rose Naliaka took me from the village and brought me to Nairobi,” Naomi recalls. “Auntie Rose taught me tennis, swimming, and eventually golf. I would follow her to tournaments, and that’s how it all started.”
Growing up wasn’t easy. With her mother working as a seamstress to support four children, Naomi faced significant challenges early in life. She often had to help make ends meet, even resorting to cooking and selling chips on the streets of Kitale before golf sponsorships came her way.
Support, Sponsorship, and Second Chances
Naomi credits her journey to the generosity of individuals and organisations that believed in her talent. From supporters who paid her school fees to those who funded her travel, she says her career has been built on community support.
A turning point came when a senior official from a betting company called her with a sponsorship offer, allowing her to fully commit to golf. Soon after, she received an invitation to participate in the Magical Kenya Ladies Open at Vipingo Ridge—a prestigious event on the Ladies European Tour.
After impressing at the tournament, Naomi earned a residency at Vipingo Ridge, gaining free access to world-class training facilities and equipment to refine her skills and prepare for life as a professional golfer.
Training at Vipingo Ridge: Building a Champion
Since 2022, Naomi has been based at Vipingo Ridge, undergoing intensive training that has transformed her game. Using advanced tools like the G-Squad machine to analyse swing performance and working closely with PGA Pro David Marsh, she has improved her technique, mental focus, and consistency.
She follows a rigorous five-day gym routine to build strength and fitness—critical components of modern professional golf. According to Naomi, Vipingo Ridge’s support has been instrumental to her development and competitiveness at the highest levels.
“This has a very big impact on my golfing career at the moment, as now I’m competing with the best at the highest level,” she says.
First Kenyan Woman to Make the Cut in Europe
In 2023, Naomi made history by becoming the first Kenyan female golfer to make the cut at the Ladies European Tour, earning further invitations to compete in Europe. Spending three months abroad was a turning point, strengthening her confidence and solidifying her ambition to succeed internationally.
Challenges on the Professional Circuit
Despite her successes, Naomi faces financial and logistical hurdles. Competing internationally requires significant resources, from travel expenses to equipment, yet sponsorships remain limited—especially since she joined the professional circuit later than her peers.
“Now that I have joined the tour, the PGK Tour, I believe that sponsors will come in, because I have just joined after the other professionals. They had already gotten their sponsors, but I joined later than that. So, I believe if I continue playing, I’ll have sponsors coming in,” she says.
Nevertheless, Naomi maintains an optimistic mindset, staying focused on growth while enjoying the opportunities golf affords her, including travelling, meeting new people, and experiencing new cultures.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond her personal ambitions, Naomi sees her journey as a platform to inspire young Kenyan girls to embrace golf and chase their dreams. Her message is simple but powerful:
“There are so many girls out there with talent, and I will just tell them to keep dreaming, keep having a positive mindset. You might not have everything you need to make you what you want to be, but for now, work with what you have. Appreciate everything that you have, take it one step at a time, and always enjoy the process. That’s where the magic happens.”
The Bigger Picture: Women’s Golf in Kenya
Naomi’s story highlights a broader challenge: the lack of representation and opportunities for women in Kenyan golf. With Naomi leading the way, there is growing hope that her success will spark increased investment, grassroots programmes, and partnerships to nurture future female golfers.
As Kenya continues to position itself as a sports tourism destination—hosting events like the Magical Kenya Ladies Open—success stories like Naomi’s have the potential to inspire global recognition and expand Kenya’s presence on the international golfing map.
Naomi Wafula’s journey from Kitale’s dusty streets to professional golf tours is nothing short of inspirational. By breaking barriers, she has paved the way for a new generation of female golfers in Kenya and East Africa.
As she continues to train, compete, and represent the country on global stages, Naomi remains focused on her ultimate goal: joining the Ladies European Tour and putting Kenyan women’s golf firmly on the world map.
Her story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of dreaming big—a message that resonates far beyond the fairways.
