Kigali Golf Club: Something different

I have thought endlessly about an appropriate title that will best describe the Kigali Golf Club. This is because unlike other golf clubs, KGC is more than just an exclusive enclave for golfers. If your favourite sport is Omuweso, or if you are an arm chair football coach who seems to know better than the actual coach on live television, then you are at home here. Indeed KGC is dominated by the golfing fraternity but on any regular day, you will find patrons without the faintest idea of how golf scores are tallied. It is therefore fitting to say that as long as you walk into the club house, you will be treated as part of the family. The club house is historical in nature, as evidenced by the aging structure that houses this club, but not that old compared to other golf clubs in the region. Nevertheless, it is a place where people come together as members, friends or the general public to enjoy the services on offer. The club house is serviced with a bar that contains an assortment of beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The kitchen provides a small menu that consists of a selection of grilled meats such as brochette of your choice, grilled pork, snacks that accompany tea, sandwiches and a specialty buffet every Friday. Recently taken over by a pair of enterprising gentlemen, the club house is striving to provide the best service to members and walk-in customers alike. Initiatives have been put in place to distance the club house from its less than illustrious service levels of the past. There are still ways to go but the future looks bright. This is not a 5 star establishment but the effort is commendable and the beer cold. Very important to note is that teetotalers are also welcome. Also, for a small menu, the food is pleasant. The grilled pork is a hit here and comes highly recommended by yours truly. The club house is located in an area that is quiet and therefore provides a calm and relaxing atmosphere. With a small conference room, the club house is able to provide a serviced conference hall for small meetings. Small events are hosted here in the adjacent grounds and there is generally a feel good factor about the place. Children are also welcome at sane hours. A covered sitting area that comprises of lounge chairs compliments an exposed sitting area that is furnished with branded plastic tables and chairs. There is a habit to sit on two stacked chairs. The talk is dominated by business dealings, finance and the regular inquiry as to how one’s children and spouse are faring on in this world. Frequented by arguably well-to-do patrons, the club house prices are some of the lowest in Kigali, except if you are into wine. Here, you might have to dig deep. The old club house is not an aesthetic wonder and it shows its age in certain places. However, the staff on hand does a great job in making sure the bathrooms are as clean as possible and the sitting area is always immaculate. The service is as quick as can be but food orders do take a while and patience is required. If you are looking for a loud place, go elsewhere. Nevertheless, music at reasonable decibels is played here to the enjoyment of guests. I am not a statistician but it is easy to see that the mean age here is 40 and steadily rising as the patrons grow older. With the efforts of the two gentlemen running the club house, we should soon see a diverse age demographic. I believe that there are also initiatives to get the younger generation to take up golf as a serious sport. Located in Nyarutarama, KGC is open daily and with ample and secure parking space. If you crave something different, please do visit soon. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

Lifestyle

Kigali Golf Club: Something different