Kenya's Hidden Gem: Disc Golf Course Takes Shape Amidst Wildlife Paradise

Deep in the heart of Kenya, near the Ngong Hills, lies a breathtaking wildlife paradise that is about to become a golfer's haven. Kevin Becker, an American expat, and his wife Rarin Ole Sein are bringing disc golf to Africa with their innovative course at Rimpa Estates, a 2,000-acre conservancy nestled in the rolling hills of Kenya.

The story of how this project came to life is as fascinating as it is inspiring. After meeting while working as IT professionals in Ohio, Kevin and Rarin decided to relocate to Kenya with their young son Sanag. As they settled into their new home, they began hosting campers on their property and soon realized that there was a growing interest in disc golf among their visitors.

Kevin's passion for art and his resourcefulness as a welder led him to design and build prototype baskets using local materials. His creations caught the attention of disc golf enthusiasts online, who encouraged him to apply for funding from organizations like the PDGA's Marco Polo Grant and the Paul McBeth Foundation. With the support of these organizations, Kevin was able to refine his designs and eventually partner with experienced course designers Pete Fust and Paul Wright.

The result is a classic old-school layout that seamlessly blends into the natural landscape, featuring 16 par-3 holes and two par-4s that cater to both beginners and seasoned players. The course's unique design allows for birdie opportunities for novices while challenging pros with demanding "birdie or die" holes.

As part of their commitment to community development, Kevin has been hosting disc golf clinics for local schoolkids every two weeks, introducing over 100 young Kenyans to the sport. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, and in December, PDGA International Director Brian Hoeniger visited Rimpa Estates to offer guidance on tournament management.

The course is now nearing completion, with 14 baskets and tee pads made from local building stones in place. On January 28-29, 2023, the inaugural Kenya Open will take center stage at this enchanting facility, attracting top players like Jon-Pat Myers from Israel and John Luetzow from I Fling Plastic.

For those considering a trip to witness this extraordinary event, the Smith Hotel, located just a few miles away, offers comfortable accommodations and airport pickups. With visas easily obtainable online, there's still time to sign up for the tournament - but be quick, as local capacity is filling up fast.

Rimpa Estates is poised to become one of the world's premier winter disc golf destinations, offering an unforgettable experience amidst a vibrant wildlife sanctuary. As Kevin and his family warmly welcome visitors with their signature "Karibu!" (welcome in Swahili), you'll pinch yourself as you tee off alongside roaming zebras and giraffes - a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/safari-slinging