25/08/2026
Within the pages of the timeless volume titled “90th Anniversary 1906–1996,” under The History of Royal Nairobi Golf Club:
> "In 1928 some personalities of Kenya Golf, including J.D. Leonard, entered into an argument at Nyeri Club as to the possibility of playing 9 holes at each of the Nairobi Golf Club, Gilgil Golf Club, Njoro Club and Eldoret Club, all in one day. The then Vice Captain of Nairobi Golf Club T.J. Hatley took up the challenge and undertook to complete each 9 holes in under 50 strokes. Accompanied on each round and driving on the very inferior roads of those days for the 240 miles of broken journey, he completed the feat between 5.45 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. and thus won his modest wager with J.D. Leonard. Perhaps a member of the club would care to emulate the feat today, also for a modest wager!"
🏌🏾♂️🚘⛳ It sounds like a challenge that has survived 30 years within RNGC’s history books. With modern roads and better transport, you’d expect it to be much easier; but could it be?
There’s only one way to find out.
Big appreciation and shoutout to Past Chairman Paul Ichangi for providing this priceless volume. Its pages continue to shine a light on remarkable moments that may otherwise have been lost to time.
We invite every member with a piece of the club's history to share it with us; it will help greatly in our efforts to piece together the narratives which shaped the club to what it is today.
