There has never been a more vibrant time for women in golf. Across Kenya, female representation on the course is on the rise, with over 2,000 registered lady golfers today, according to the Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU). This growing momentum was on full display at Karen Country Club, which recently hosted one of the most anticipated and joy-filled events in Kenya’s ladies golf calendar, the annual Nancy Millar Golf Tournament.
A dazzling fusion of sport, style, and sisterhood, the 2023 edition of the tournament more than lived up to its reputation. Colorful, elegant, and joyously competitive, the event saw enthusiastic participation from women representing clubs across the country — including Vet Lab, Muthaiga, Royal, Limuru, Railway, Sigona, Windsor, Golf Park, Ruiru, Kenya Airforce, and the host club, Karen.
This year marked a historic moment, too: six juniors — Nkini Pasha, Marya Nyambura, Cherono Kipkorir, Simaloi Mbeya, Amelia Sheikh, and Yolanda Yu — joined the tournament for the very first time, signaling a promising future for the sport.
But it wasn’t just about the golf — the prize giving ceremony, always a highlight, was a true fashion affair. Guests, led by the poised and radiant Karen Lady Captain Doreen Murithi, were dressed to the nines in bold, beautiful Ankara ensembles. The air was filled with laughter, music, and celebration, a testament to the spirit of camaraderie the tournament fosters.
The Nancy Millar Trophy, named in honor of one of Karen Country Club’s pioneering members, has been played since 1970 and honors her exceptional legacy. Nancy Millar joined the club in 1937, became Lady Champion in the early 1950s, and served as Lady Captain multiple times across three decades. She was also Chairman of KLGU in 1958 and continued to contribute to the game well into the 1970s.
The competition itself is a team affair, with each foursome competing in Stableford format over three rounds — a showcase of not just skill, but strategic partnership and endurance. The 2023 winning team featured none other than Lady Captain Doreen Murithi, alongside Anne Mbogori, Virginia Nthenya, and Rosemary Wainaina.
Kenya has long been hailed as Africa’s premier golfing destination, and Karen Country Club — often lauded as the best course in the country — continues to play a central role in nurturing local talent and hosting world-class tournaments. This is made possible through the support of both government — notably the Ministries of Sports and Tourism — and dedicated sponsors who believe in the power of golf to uplift, empower, and unite.
This year’s Nancy Millar Tournament was proudly sponsored by Madison Life Assurance, Vivo Fashion Group, Next Technologies, Sense Getaways and Events, FunKidz, Chiropractic & Physiotherapy, Crown Paints, Tropical Heat, and KWAL.
As the sun set over the lush greens of Karen Country Club, it was clear that the Nancy Millar Golf Tournament is more than just a competition — it’s a celebration of legacy, style, and the unstoppable rise of women in golf. With every swing, every laugh, and every Ankara-clad embrace, the 2023 edition reminded us that when women come together — on and off the course — they create magic, FABULOUS MAGIC.
Special mention and appreciation to Karen Country Club Lady Captain Doreen Murithi.
