Teen sensation Jacinta Njeri shatters glass ceiling in golf

New kid on the block and Kenya teen golf sensation Jacinta Njeri is hopeful to carry on with her meteoric performances on the golf courses that have seen her punch a ticket to the 25th edition of the Deaflympics Summer Games set for Tokyo, Japan, on November 15-26.

The Form Two student at Ngala Secondary School for the Deaf in Nakuru County is already inspired ahead of the global showpiece where she will represent Kenya alongside the experienced trio of Deaflympics golf bronze medallist Isaac Makokha, Gilbert Alikula, and Adan Wario.

“I’m excited to be part of Team Kenya, it is even more historic to be the only and first Kenyan lady golfer in the Games, so I’m determined to put my best foot forward to return home with a medal, preferably gold,” the 19-year-old hard hitter told Standard Sports at her Vet Lab Sports Club training base in Kabete.

The historic moment has seen Njeri call upon other ladies to embrace the sport, stating that she doesn't want to be the only lady golfer high up there hanging with the men.

“I’m challenging more deaf women to embrace the sport, it will not only inspire them but will also make them more empowered in decision-making,” she underlined.

Njeri is grateful for the mentorship she is getting from her other three compatriots, especially from the decorated Makokha, who is currently ranked third globally in the discipline.

“Through Makokha’s mentorship, I feel motivated to perform well in Tokyo. I have a feeling that I’ll medal in the Games,” she said.

Among the areas that the handicap 20 hard hitter is tightening in her training sessions that alternate on several golf courses dotting the capital city, including Railways, Golf Park, Muthaiga and Vet Lab, are her swings, putts and chips.

“I do lots of practice on the fairways and on the range, where I hit countless balls to perfect my tees and swings, but I don’t go to the gym. As for diet, I eat lots of meat and protein. I also drink lots of juices and water to stay rehydrated,” she highlighted.

Njeri, who has bagged several accolades in championships in Nairobi, Eldoret, Kitale and Nakuru, is forever grateful to her coach and Vet Lab Sports Club resident pro Shem Orwenyo for introducing her to the ‘gentleman’s’ game three years ago.

“Through this sport, I have become a better person. I have made amazing friends, I have improved my socialisation skills, I have won great prizes from competitions, and I also play the game to manage stress,” she said.

Her greatest challenge in the sport is communication, which she stressed is a big barrier, especially when competing against hearing participants.

Njeri’s ultimate dream in the discipline is to be both Olympic and World champion, and due to her age, she believes she has enough time to work towards that objective.

Makokha, Alikula and Wario represented Kenya in the last edition of the Deaflympics held in Caxias Do Sul in Brazil in 2022, where Makokha stole the show by winning for Kenya the historic bronze medal.

Njeri says the experienced trio have really helped her to sharpen her claws ahead of Tokyo through intense mentorship.

Owing to the rigorous training and the experience she has gained from various tournaments, Njeri, who also plays volleyball and basketball in her free time, has declared her readiness for the Tokyo challenge.

“I’m well prepared for the task ahead. My family too are behind me, they are inspiring and motivating me to leave no stone unturned in my preparations. All that I can promise them is that I’ll do my best to return home with a prize," she said.

Team Kenya deaf golf coach David Kihara has praised Njeri for her dedication and potential in the sport, tipping her to medal in Tokyo.

“When I saw her swing and looked at her scoring records, I noted that her potential is very high. She is young, she is strong, she is committed,” Kihara highlighted.

“She is willing to pay the price to be a Deaflympics medallist. The girl has the potential to be a great player in the future, so I urge her to make the best use of the opportunities that come her way well,” added Kihara who has also tipped the Kenya golf team for good performance in Tokyo.

“I believe we are ready for it (Deaflympics). Some medals are coming,” Kihara declared.