The East Africa Junior Golf Rankings (EAJGR) officially launched on Saturday after the successful staging of the inaugural two-round tournament at Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club.
This marks the introduction of the region’s first ranking system dedicated exclusively to junior golfers under the age of 19.
The launch event featured 25 junior golfers aged between 6 and 18 drawn from Nova Pioneer, Marurui Primary & Junior School, and St. Ruth’s School.
The tournament highlighted the EAJGR’s school-based approach, deliberately bringing together public and private institutions on one competitive platform to promote inclusivity and broaden access to the sport.
Hakeem Mutungi of St. Ruth’s School dominated the Boys Under-10 category, firing an impressive eight-under-par final round to add to his level-par opening round for a 136 gross total.
Joseph Mwangi of Marurui Primary & Junior School claimed the Boys Under-18 title with a combined score of 216, while James Munyororo, also of Marurui, won the Boys Under-14 category on 213.
Abigael Ayuma of Marurui topped the Girls Under-14 division with 239.
In the Under-12 categories, Alex Muraya of Marurui won the Boys title with 225, while Njeri Mwangi of Nova Pioneer led the Girls with 251.
Zara Mutungi of St. Ruth’s School emerged winner of the Girls Under-10 category with a total score of 194.
EAJGR Chairman Larry Ngala said the new rankings system is designed to create a clear and credible development pathway for junior golfers across the region.
“The East Africa Junior Golf Rankings is the first regional system focused purely on junior golf. We will track performance across four age groups and require participation in at least six ranked events annually. By integrating public and private schools, we are intentionally bridging social and economic gaps. We thank Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club for adopting Marurui Primary & Junior School and invite other clubs across East Africa to adopt schools and replicate this model,” he said.
Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club Captain Greg Gathumbi described the initiative as a long-term investment in excellence, noting that structured development and consistent access to facilities are critical in transforming young beginners into competitive athletes.
Education leaders praised the wider impact of the initiative. Nova Pioneer Executive Principal Christine Kathurima said the event demonstrated the power of collaboration through sport.
“This is not about competition between schools, but partnership. Golf teaches discipline, character, and patience. Today, learners from different backgrounds came together as one community, which is exactly what sport and education should achieve,” she said.
Marurui Primary & Junior School Principal Susan Maina emphasized the importance of opportunity for public school learners.
“As the only public primary school with a golf program, being welcomed at Windsor has been extraordinary. From wooden clubs to competing on a championship course, this journey has given our learners confidence and belief. We are grateful to Windsor and the EAJGR for opening doors our children never thought possible,” said Maina.
Reigning world 800 metres champion Lilian Odira, who attended the launch, underscored the value of early investment in youth sport.
“Nurturing young talent is one of the most important investments a country can make. I began at school level and progressed step by step to the world stage. Early opportunities matter, and from what I have seen here, future champions will emerge from this group,” said Odira.
With its inaugural tournament complete, the East Africa Junior Golf Rankings has taken a strong first step toward building a structured, inclusive, and sustainable junior golf ecosystem, aimed at developing future champions and opening pathways to regional and international competition and scholarship opportunities.
