Karen Country Club has some unique features that distinguish it from other golfing clubs in Kenya: – flowering shrubs, lakes and wetlands, outstanding indigenous trees and many fine sporting amenities. As you approach the terrace from the outside the country lodge styled clubhouse, what captivates your gaze is a magnificent view of the elegant outstretched golf course with beautiful flowerbeds, lush fairways and manicured greens.
Situated at an altitude of about 6000 feet in the green residential district of Karen, twelve miles south of Kenya`s capital city Nairobi, Karen Country club offers the visitor one of the finest golf courses in the country, as well as a host of other attractions.
Founded in 1937, Karen prides itself in being one of the oldest golf clubs in Kenya. A large part of the 18-hole course was built on the former coffee estate developed by the Danish pioneer, Karen Blixen, whose life and times were depicted in the lyrical film `Out of Africa`. Indeed, the shade trees from her coffee plantation still dominate parts of the golf course, eighty years after they were planted.
The course is superbly maintained par 72 for men and 73 for ladies, and a challenging 6934 yards in length from the Men`s Championship tees. Greens have been built to exact standards set by American Professional Golf Association (PGA), with a newly constructed environmentally protected water hazard, in front and to the left of the par 3 14th hole. An extensive watering system ensures excellent fairways even during the dry seasons. With Nairobi`s temperate climate, you can play golf 365 days in a year in comfort, which is an intangible asset that few golf courses in the world can claim. The setting of the golf course is itself an inspiration. With the Ngong hills as a backdrop, the course is much admired for its rich variety of trees, indigenous forest, flowering shrubs, fauna and bird life.
