Limuru

Negotiations with the local authorities over a 200-acre site at Limuru began in 1945 and once farmers had completed a program of bush clearing, the first nine holes of the golf course opened in 1949, around a horse race track that was formed at the same time.

A second nine came into play three years later, followed shortly after by the construction of a bowling green and cricket pitch. Over time, tennis courts, squash courts and a riding centre have been added to the facilities here so Limuru’s golfers have plenty of sporting activities to keep them occupied off the course.

Although rated stroke index 8, the 12th hole at Limuru is one of the toughest on the card with an intimidating tee shot to be played down a narrow chute of trees, with out of bounds on either side of the fairway. The preferred line is right of the white cross on the race track which can be seen from the tee and with the fairway bending slightly to the right; a controlled fade will set up an easier approach to a green protected by three bunkers.

Laid out in an area famed for its farmland and tea plantations, Limuru’s tree-lined fairways are as scenic as any found in Kenya and the veranda view from the clubhouse is one of the best in all of Africa.