Dear

We apologise for the previous newsletter, which could not be forwarded with the pictures. You will now be able to forward this to your contacts.

Kindest Regards,

Tobs

Golf in Kenya withTobs Kenya Golf Safaris

One of Kenya's best kept secrets is its numerous golf courses (see the golf map). Few places in the world offer such perfect ingredients for a fantastic golf holiday, as Kenya does. The opportunity to play your favourite game, to see wildlife (sometimes on the course!) and to relax on the beautiful white sandy beaches all during the same holiday is unique. Soon after their arrival in the 1900's British colonists began developing golf courses all over the country. They realized that Kenya had the year round climate and most beautiful settings to construct some of the world's most desirable courses.

One of the most appealing features of golfing in Kenya is the variety. From the beach clubs set among palms and casuarinas with stunning views of the sapphire Indian Ocean, to those dominated by the perennial snow cap of Mount Kenya there is a medley of courses each vying for priority as the most attractive for location and interest. One is even built on the slopes of an extinct volcano!

Kenya has 40 golf courses of which 13 are 18-hole, 12 of which are used for championship events. 6 are within a 20 mile radius of Nairobi - Kenya's bustling capital. The oldest 18 hole course is Royal Nairobi Golf Club founded in 1906, the latest is the David Jones design pay and play 9 holes golf course Golf Park within the Nairobi race course.

There are several new courses under construction and a number are being upgraded from 9 holes to 18 holes.

The weather in Kenya is ideal for golf all year round. On occasions you mighty need a sweater or a jersey, but you will usually play in a polo shirt. (see also: weather chart)

In the highland areas the temperatures are in the low 20's and at the coast in the high 20's or low 30's. There are 12 hours of day light and, depending on the season, 4 to 9 hours of sunshine. During the two rainy seasons, (April and November) the rain usually falls before 10 am and after 5 PM and almost never when you are playing! More and more clubs have installed sophisticated fairway watering systems to keep the course green during the dry seasons.

Many courses are at an altitude of more than 1500 meters (5000 ft) truly giving you an additional 10% yardage to your stroke. Most clubs have a pro-shop where you can buy whatever you need. Though there are no golf carts available, Kenya has the luxury of caddies. Usually the caddies are very good players themselves and will not only carry your bag and look for your ball in the rough, but advice on local rules, assist with your swing and generally be your companion and mentor.

Most of Kenya's golf clubs are private membership clubs and are generally very quiet and especially so during weekdays. However visitors to Kenya who want to play golf are best advised to use the services of a tour operator specialized in organizing golf holidays. Apart from giving you very personalized service Tobs Kenya Golf Safaris will book your hotel, transfer you to the golf courses, book tee-times and make sure your golf holiday is a success.
Kenya's private membership golf clubs organize many competitions, but also at club nights and weekends most courses are closed for visitors, and it is advised to book your tee-times through Tobs, to avoid disappointment if the golf courses are closed.

For the visiting golfer, Kenya has a broad appeal. There is everything for the fanatic golfer, whilst the avid golfer can fashion his safari to include some wildlife viewing as well. A golfer who prefers to laze on the beach can still fit in a game or two and the business traveller, with an afternoon off, can easily play his favourite game right on his doorstep.

Tobs is a pioneer in organising golf holidays in Kenya, whether or not in combination with luxury wild life safaris and/or beach vacations.( since 1991). Tobs is a member of IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators since its inception in 1997, IAGTO’s branch chairman and founder/chairman of the KGMA (Kenya Golf Marketing Alliance) among many other memberships in the tourist and golf industry.

Its office infra structure is amongst the most sophisticated in the industry with satellite internet connection, a WIFI LAN system and mobile internet in order to give its clients the fastest service possible. Tobs website www.kenya-golf-safaris.com was the first in Kenya, launched in January 1997 and even today, it is a reference for many companies and learning institutions in the region. Check the video, made by CNBC TV as well and click here.