Renee Njiraini was the standout player on the first day of the Safaricom Golf Tour on January 22.

It was clear the moment she arrived at the Golf Park, located at the Ngong Racecourse in Nairobi, for the nine-hole Safaricom launch golf event. She loves the game and is looking to become a professional.

Renee, 18, fell in love with golf at a young age from watching her father, Francis, play. She would soon become a permanent fixture in his games as she followed him around the course.

Gradually, the disciplined way of golfers – keeping time and patience – rubbed off on her.

“In our family, we believe that everyone’s dream is valid, and we have learnt to support each other and especially our children to achieve their dreams,” says Mr Njiraini.

Renee began playing competitively after completing high school but a few months ago, she missed a tournament at the Muthaiga Golf Club and was instead put on a waiting list.

She was disappointed but decided to participate as a volunteer at the event instead. While heartbreaking then, this would, unknown to her, propel her to the next step in her golf career.

“I met a lady who told me about the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Golf in South Africa, I sold the idea to my parents and now I am on my to South Africa, in a month, to study more about the sport and explore a career in golf,” she says.

Watch Renee’s journey in golf below.