When Major General T. Lekolool sank the final putt at Ruiru Sports Club, he didn’t just win a trophy — he claimed the most prestigious title in Kenya’s military golf circuit. Playing off a 22-handicap, Lekolool posted 41 stableford points to take the Kenya Army Commanders Trophy 2025 overall crown, outdueling officers and enlisted personnel alike in a fiercely contested field. The tournament, held on April 12, 2025, was more than just a weekend game — it was a rare moment where rank dissolved on the fairway, and skill ruled the green.
How the Tournament Works: Handicaps, Divisions, and Fair Play
The Kenya Army Commanders Trophy 2025 didn’t just pit the best against the best. It was built on a system designed to level the playing field. Organized under the Kenya Defence Forces Golf Association (KDFGA), the event split competitors into three divisions based on handicap: Division A (0–14), Division B (15–24), and an open category for all. The stableford scoring system — where points are awarded for performance relative to par, not total strokes — ensured that even high-handicap players could win. A bogey might net you one point; a birdie, three. That’s why Feisal Mohamed, playing off 23, won Division B with 45 points — a performance that would’ve been impossible under traditional stroke play.Meanwhile, in Division A, Marty Akorot, a 12-handicap officer, dominated with 38 points. His consistency on the back nine — four pars and two birdies in the final six holes — sealed his win. "It’s not about who hits it the farthest," Akorot told reporters after the round. "It’s about who manages the rough, the bunkers, and the pressure best. That’s military golf. You adapt or get left behind."
The Venue: Ruiru Sports Club as a Military Sports Hub
Ruiru Sports Club has quietly become the epicenter of Kenya’s military sports calendar. Nestled just outside Nairobi, its 18-hole course, recently upgraded with new irrigation and bunker systems in late 2024, hosted not only the Commanders Trophy but also the Kenya Navy Golf Championship in March. The club’s pro shop now stocks KDF-branded gear, and its clubhouse doubles as a post-tournament briefing room. "This isn’t just recreation," said Colonel James Mwangi, a long-time organizer. "It’s leadership training. You learn to make decisions under pressure — whether it’s a tactical maneuver or a 12-foot putt with your entire unit watching."
More Than Golf: Military Camaraderie and Morale
The Kenya Army Commanders Trophy 2025 drew 87 participants — from privates to generals — representing every branch of the Kenya Defence Forces. Many played in uniform, their medals glinting beside their scorecards. There were jokes about "commanding the bunker," and a few heated debates over whether a dropped ball counted as a "tactical repositioning." But beneath the banter was something deeper: a sense of unity.For junior soldiers, playing alongside generals isn’t just inspiring — it’s transformative. "I used to think officers were untouchable," said Private Elijah Omondi, who finished 14th in Division B. "Now I know they’re just guys who miss putts too. And that makes me believe I can rise."
What’s Next for Military Golf in Kenya?
With the 2025 season now complete, the KDFGA has announced plans to expand the tournament circuit to include a national military golf championship in Mombasa by October. There’s also talk of inviting regional forces — Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda — for a joint East African Defence Forces Cup in 2026. "We’re not just building golfers," said Major General Lekolool, holding his trophy. "We’re building resilience. Discipline. And yes — a little friendly rivalry that keeps the troops sharp."For now, the records stand: Lekolool’s 41 points is the highest stableford score ever recorded in the trophy’s 12-year history. The previous record? 39, set in 2021 by a former Chief of Defence Forces.
Background: The Rise of Military Golf in Kenya
Military golf in Kenya traces back to the 1980s, when British-trained officers introduced the game as a way to foster discipline and officer bonding. It was never a formal sport — until 2013, when the KDFGA was officially established. Since then, participation has grown by 140%. In 2019, the first women’s division was added. Today, nearly 20% of competitors are female — a figure that’s climbing each year.Unlike civilian tournaments, military events often include post-game briefings where performance is analyzed like a mission debrief. "Your scorecard is your after-action report," said retired Lieutenant General Susan Njoroge, who now chairs the KDFGA’s development committee. "You don’t just play golf. You learn to read wind, terrain, pressure — the same skills you use on patrol."
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the stableford scoring system work in military golf tournaments?
Stableford awards points based on performance relative to par: double bogey or worse = 0 points, bogey = 1, par = 2, birdie = 3, eagle = 4. This rewards consistency over raw power, making it ideal for mixed-skill fields like military tournaments. Major General Lekolool’s 41 points came from six birdies, nine pars, and three bogeys — a balanced performance that outscored lower-handicap players with fewer birdies but more bogeys.
Who organizes the Kenya Army Commanders Trophy, and how is it funded?
The Kenya Defence Forces Golf Association organizes the event under the Kenya Defence Forces’ Morale and Welfare Directorate. Funding comes from internal military budgets, sponsorships by defense contractors like Kenya Defence Industries, and limited private donations. No taxpayer funds are directly used — all expenses are covered through service-specific allocations.
Are women allowed to compete in the Kenya Army Commanders Trophy?
Yes. Since 2019, the KDFGA has included a dedicated women’s division, open to all female personnel across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In 2025, seven women competed, with Captain Amina Ochieng finishing second in the women’s category with 37 stableford points. The KDFGA plans to integrate women’s scores into the overall leaderboard by 2027.
Why was Ruiru Sports Club chosen as the venue?
Ruiru Sports Club offers a championship-caliber course within 20 minutes of the Kenya Defence Forces headquarters in Nairobi. Its recent $1.2 million renovation in 2024 included upgraded drainage and GPS-based green mapping — critical for military logistics. The club also has secure parking and briefing rooms, making it ideal for high-security events. It’s the only civilian course in Kenya with a permanent military liaison officer on staff.
What’s the significance of Major General Lekolool’s 41-point score?
Lekolool’s 41 points is the highest ever recorded in the trophy’s 12-year history, surpassing the 2021 record of 39. What’s remarkable is he achieved this with a 22-handicap — the highest ever to win overall. His performance proves that tactical consistency, not elite skill, wins military golf. Only two other high-handicap players (20+) have ever won the overall title since 2013.
How does this tournament compare to civilian golf events in Kenya?
While civilian tournaments like the Kenya Open focus on professional rankings and prize money, the Commanders Trophy prioritizes participation, morale, and leadership. There’s no cash prize — just a trophy and a plaque. But the prestige is immense: winning it often leads to promotion considerations. The field is smaller (87 players vs. 150+ in civilian events), but the pressure is higher — because your peers, subordinates, and superiors are all watching.