Over 60 golfers from clubs across the Mount Kenya and Rift Valley region on Saturday converged at the scenic Nyahururu Sports and Country Club, to participate in a charity tournament aimed at raising funds for the rehabilitation of the Subukia Shrine, in Nakuru County.
The event brought together participants from various clubs in Nakuru, Nanyuki, Kericho, and the host Nyahururu, all uniting in support of the rehabilitation project for the revered Subukia Shrine.
The event, to restore the Subukia Shrine, one of Kenya's most spiritually and ecologically significant water sources - the Marian Spring - which has faced growing environmental degradation over the years, was more than a game.
The tournament witnessed thrilling action on the greens, with Nyahururu’s own handicap 10 golfer, Simon Ngugi, clinching the top spot with an impressive 39 points.
Ngugi, elated by his win, said the charity aspect of the event gave him extra motivation.
“I was really challenged to step up today. Bishop Oseso, a good friend and fellow golfer, pushed me to prove that I could perform not just as a friend, but on the course and for the cause,” he remarked.
The first runner-up was Boniface Waikwa (handicap 8) with 19 points, while Moses Koskei (handicap 14) secured the second runner-up position with 21 points.
In the sponsor’s category, Tobias Korir (handicap 20) emerged victorious with 36 points.
Nation Media Group Chairman Dr Wilfred Kiboro who graced the event, commended all the participants and supporters.
Nation Media Group Chairman Dr Wilfred Kiboro follows his shot during the Marian National Shrine Rehabilitation Charity Golf tournament at Nyahururu Country Club on May 3, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
“Your presence here today means more than just playing golf — it’s a testament to your commitment to causes that uplift our communities,” he said.
The event not only showcased regional golfing talent, but also underscored the power of sport to bring people together for meaningful change.
"This is more than just a game. We here to stand in solidarity with the people of Subukia and to champion the protection and rehabilitation of a spring that holds both ecological and religious value," said Dr Kiboro.
Organized in collaboration with the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops in Kenya (KCCB) and the Executive Committee, the initiative seeks to raise Sh25 million to fund the full restoration of the Marian Spring.
The efforts will culminate in a main fundraising event scheduled for Friday, 9th May, at the Consolata Alamano Centre in Nairobi.
“The facilities are old, and with the growing number of pilgrims, we felt the need to upgrade them. The spring should be a peaceful and accessible sanctuary for all — not just Catholics — seeking spiritual nourishment,” he stated.
Proceeds from the golf event will go toward a comprehensive restoration plan, including clean-up efforts, infrastructural improvements, and long-term conservation measures to safeguard the site’s future.
The tournament was a celebration of sportsmanship and environmental stewardship, highlighting how collective action -from corporate leaders to everyday citizens - can play a pivotal role in preserving Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage.
As the last putts dropped and pledges rolled in, the message was clear: unity on the green can ripple far beyond the fairway, creating lasting impact for generations to come.
