Kilifi, Kenya
The PGA Baobab Course is an 18-hole, par 72 championship layout situated on a ridge in Kilifi County, Kenya, offering views of the Indian Ocean. Designed by former Kenya Open winner David Jones, who began the project in 2006, the course spans 6,586 yards and is distinguished as Africa’s only PGA-accredited golf course. Jones’s design philosophy emphasizes natural landscapes and strategic playability, integrating the surrounding environment into the challenge rather than imposing artificial obstacles. The terrain is characterized by natural bush landscapes, native trees, and a system of interconnected lakes and streams that meander through the fairways. The course is home to an abundance of wildlife, including giraffe, zebra, eland, wildebeest, oryx, and gazelle, which roam freely across the property. The layout features long fairways and tree and water hazards, with the iconic coastal Baobabs lending character to the design. The course is supported by three putting greens and the largest driving range in Kenya. Grass types vary by area, with Seashore paspalum used for the greens and Bermuda grass for the fairways and tees. The playing experience changes with the seasons in Kilifi County; the dry season from December to April offers links-style conditions with winds and flowering plants, while the green season from June to October provides cooler weather and lush fairways. The course is surrounded by indigenous plants and trees, enhancing the natural beauty of the setting. The PGA Baobab Course serves as the host venue for the Magical Kenya Ladies Open on the Ladies European Tour. The iconic Clubhouse overlooks the 9th and 18th holes, providing dramatic views for spectators and players. Advanced PGA Fellow David Marsh leads golf operations, bringing extensive global experience to the management of the course and its events.
