A Guide To Sigona Golf Club

Sigona Golf Club was founded by Kenya Estates Limited around 1938. Flowering around trees and bushes, the clubs eighteen-hole course offers its members Kenyas most beautiful fairways, which are privileged to receive an a fair amount of rainfall annually. This has helped to maintain its greens.
Sigona Club is located in Kikuyu, 18 kilometers, just outside Nairobi. It was founded by the Kenya Estates Limited around 1938, with its construction and design by Mr. Berkley-Mathews.
Flowering trees and bushes; The club’s eighteen-hole course, offers its members Kenya’s most beautiful fairways which are privileged to receive an average amount of rainfall thus, maintaining it’s greens.
The toughest hole is the seventh and measures 458 yards for men and 485 for women

Sigona Golf Club History

Mr. Berkley-Mathews was responsible for the design and construction of the course which was carved out of a wattle tree plantation in 1938. It was one of the few architecturally designed courses in Nairobi. The first nine-holes were constructed around an elephant’ watering hole, which explains the elephant head logo you see today. Originally rows of wattle trees were left to separate the fairways. Later various shade and ornamental trees such as podo, cape chestnut, ‘muringa’, cypress and pine, were planted. Mr. Simpson of Liphook, Hampshire was the course architect who, after making only a few alterations to the initial construction, declared it a championship golf course.
As in all areas of the country, the Second World War years of 1939-1945 were a time of developmental stagnation for Sigona. But in the year immediately following the war, manpower and money were more readily available. The course greens were enlarged and experiments for choosing the best grass for the greens were started. The existing watering system was extended to eventually encompass all the greens and tees. Overseas professionals began visiting the course in the early 1950’s.
The history of Sigona Golf Club took a sudden and dramatic turn with the dawning of the “Emergency”. Mr. Berkley-Mathews was shot to death in the Clubhouse in 1954 by Mau Mau.
At independence, the so-called “White Highlands” area around Sigona was broken up in the settlement scheme for landless Kenyans. Due to the influence of the late Honourable James S. Gichuru, a friend of Sigona Golf Club, the course was prevented from being included in the settlement. He persuaded club members to form themselves into a limited liability company and to invite members of all races to join, thus saving the club and the golf course.
As a result, Sigona is said to be the first sports club to open its doors to persons other than those of pure European descent. Mr. Gichuru was later made an Honorary Life Member for his successful efforts. The first African to join the membership at Sigona was a gentleman by the name of James,”Jimmy”, Kahugu who, at the time, was employed as a waiter at the Norfolk Hotel.
He later quit that job to serve as the Sigona Club’s Assistant Manager before becoming a golf professional. The Japanese Ambassador became a member in the early 1960’s after having been refused admission to other area clubs. This, in itself, became the major impetus for the large Japanese membership sigona enjoys today.
The Club underwent some serious financial problems in the early 1960’s and faced threats of foreclosure from creditors. This necessitated the institution of a playing fee of Kshs.2.50 for each round of golf. Most other clubs in the area at the time had slot machines, which provided a regular source of income.
Many of Sigona’s members left during this time to join other clubs who, in order to entice more members, had waived entrance fees. As a result, Sigona was forced to do the same, but only for a short period of time. A very large and successful ‘harambee’ effort kept the club from ruin. Successive harambees, coupled with increased membership, have led to the development of the Club and course as it is seen today.
Numerous changes took place on the course up to the mid-1970’s, at which time the six par five’s were reduced to four, shortening the length of the course by 112 yards and converting par from 74 to 72. Many of the holes were changed, with the most notable move being that of the old number nine par three.
It was a blind tee short to the green which sat up on a ridge. The ridge is the one now climbed to reach the Clubhouse after the ninth hole. So many players were getting such uncanny holes-in-one that the hole had to be changed to keep the caddies from moving the ball, undetected, into the hole with their shoeless feet!
Sand traps were never seriously considered until the early 1970’s when revenue increased. Members had felt that traps were not necessary since errant shots were already being well punished by the wattle and other planted trees. With membership thriving in the early 1990’s many course and clubhouse improvements were undertaken. The greens received a lot of attention and, at the time of writing Sigona boasts of possessing some of the best greens in Kenya.
The present-day clubhouse is an updated and enlarged version of the original structure belonging to Berkley-Mathews and dating back to the beginning of the golf course. The most dramatic renovation took place in 1991 when it was given a complete facelift, including the addition of a second storey. Members are able to relax and look out over the eighteenth hole from the verandas extending off the upstairs and ground floor lounges. Beautiful green fairways are the mainstay of Sigona Golf Club.

Sigona Golf Club

Sigona Golf Club Facilities

Swimming Pool

The Club has a well maintained swimming pool which is manned by a qualified lifesaver. The pool is open to hire for private functions.
The swimming pool is adjacent to the club house with easy access to plenty of food and beverage offerring a very relaxing atmosphere to spend your day

Bar & Lounge

Modern designed Clubhouse with:

• Capacity to host over 100 persons
• A fully stocked bar for wines, special blended cocktails, soft drinks and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• A wide selection of local, international and continental cuisine prepared professionally to meet your requirements.

The club house also have a modern and well equipped changing room for both ladies and gentlemen (members only) which is well maintained with neat lockers, washrooms, showers, steam bath among others.

James Gichuru Lounge

James Gichuru Lounge is located on the first flour of the Club house with a view of almost the entire course. It is an ideal venue in which to hold corpo-rate, charity and private functions like; training seminars and conferences, staff parties, meetings, and cocktail parties.

Board Room

A fully equipped Board room ideal for board meetings and other quality small meetings.
Has modern elegant furniture and latest audio-visual equipment for your meeting needs.
Special and discounted conference packages for both full day and half day conferencing are in place.
Contact the General Manager or F & B Manager for more information.

Golf Pro Shop

The club has a modern, elegant and well stocked pro shop with latest golf equipments and accessories to include clothing and foot wear.

Corporate Tournaments

Corporations and companies may hold golf tournaments at the Club on Fridays and Sundays, either full or half day and market their products/services at very reasonable cost.
The course at sigona is an 18 hole course measuring 6892 yards from the competition tees, 6591 yards from the middle tees, and 5723 yards from the ladies’ tees.
Contact General Manager’s office or Golf office for more details.

Our Menu

Our menu offers an assortment of both local & international delicacies done professionally.

Accommodation

Lend yourself to luxury in Sigona, at our stylish accommodation suites.
SPECTACULAR GOLF COURSE VIEWS, LARGE COMFORTABLE SUITES, AN IDEAL SERENE LOCATION
Book your stay at Sigona’s finest accommodation Suites, where we redefine the meaning of luxury living. Showcasing a picture-perfect location in Sigona, Nairobi’s neighbourhood, our fully serviced suites surround you with 5 star style. Each one of our spacious suites provides classic living, digital intercom telephony, spa-inspired; glassed-in shower cubicles, plush bedding with duvets and comfy; fluffy pillows, complimentary high speed wired and wifi internet, top-quality entertainment options, refreshments and a well-lit, ergonomic work-space. In addition, our modern amenities will ensure that you have everything needed to feel at home during your visit. We offer impressive golfing activities, an outdoor swimming pool, and exquisite on-site restaurant.
Our luxurious suites are situated in the vibrant & peaceful neighborhood of Sigona, a comfortable 20 minute drive from Nairobi City.
SUITES FEATURES

• Daily full order breakfast
• Optional evening snack
• FREE wired & Wi-Fi Internet
• CCTV security
• Spacious and secure parking lot
• Fully serviced swimming pool
• 32″ flat-screen LED satelite TVs
• Conference facilities
• Golf course Views

Sigona Golf Club Membership

Membership
Sigona is an exclusive gated community club. Our membership includes a diverse mix of Local Sigonians, expatriates and Europeans. With such a wide variety events, catering to all walks of life, Sigona attracts families with children,couples as well as singles.
The avid and enthusiastic golfer will love playing the challenging course and if keen to keen to improve his/her game our golf professional will be more than happy to assist.
The holiday Juniors golf program is aimed at encouraging, developing, young golf talents and provides a great platform for which the young golfers can improve and develop their game.
Application Procedure
Sigona Golf Club has an elaborate application and vetting process that ensures new applicant is of good standing and integrity. The applicants are interviewed by the Membership, Secretarial and Disciplinary Sub committee who undergo the following steps.
Step 1:
Membership application forms is requested in writing by the proposer of the applicant. The proposer must be a voting member who has been a Club member for more than two years.
Step 2:
The Club Management replies in writing to the proposer attaching the application form and requesting for the following:
Cheque for the requisite amount depending on the category desired.
Fully filled application form.
One page Curriculum Vitae, to be pinned on the notice board.
Passport size photograph.
Step 3:
The Form and the CV are pinned on the notice board for 30 days for general membership comments. Meanwhile the Management allows the new applicant to use the Club facilities as a temporary member.
The new applicant prepays for his temporary membership account before any service is provided.
Step 4:
The applicant is invited for an interview by the Membership, Secretarial & Disciplinary Sub Committee after which, if found to be suitable, a balloting card is sent to him through his proposer to obtain at least ten (10) Directors’ signatures, of which the first should be that of Hon. Secretary. Obtaining the Signatures should take a maximum of 30 days.
Step 5:
After returning the card the applicant’s name is presented to the Board for approval, after which the applicant is issued with a permanent Account Number and membership card.

Sigona Golf Club The Course

Sigona Golf Club The Course

Sigona Golf Club Contacts

Attraction Type: Sports
Category: Golf
Region: Nairobi
City / Town: Limuru
Road / Street: Nairobi Nakuru Highway
Telephone: 254 722 600325
254 20 202 0518
254 20 202 0519
Entrance Fee: Yes

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