This archive report was first published on 3 January 2020.
Simon Ngige: A Golf Pro's Journey ¶
January 3, 2020, marked a milestone for Simon Ngige, a professional golfer who turned 35. At this age, many people have achieved their goals, but for Ngige, it was just the beginning. He had already established himself as a professional golfer and was now running a golf school, teaching children the essentials of the sport.
Ngige's journey to becoming a golf pro was not an easy one. He started off as a caddie, carrying golf kits for players in his hometown of Njoro, to learn the sport and to earn a living. A journey to Australia later and becoming a pro 10 years ago, he is now a household name in the golfing arena.
Ngige talked to James Kahongeh about his humble beginnings, glorious days, and life away from the green. He shared his fears, failures, and lessons learned along the way, including his decision to leave Australia to play golf in Kenya, which he now regrets.
When asked about his personality type, Ngige said he is a hopelessly optimistic person who believes in situations that other people dismiss as hopeless. He also talked about his desire to grow the sport in Kenya, so that when he exits the scene, there will be a new generation of serious golfers to take over.
Ngige's life has not been without its challenges. He has had to leave his young family for an entire month to play outside the country, which is always a hard decision to make. He has also had to deal with failures, including leaving Australia to come back to play golf in Kenya, which he now regrets.
Despite these challenges, Ngige remains positive and believes that hard work and luck have shaped his professional life. He also talked about his desire to spend time with his daughters, aged nine and 10 months, and to teach children the essentials of golf through his golf school.
Ngige's story is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. From being a caddie to owning a golf school at 35, he has achieved his goals and is now inspiring others to do the same.
