Isaac Makokha, a golfer who has never heard the roar of a crowd, let his golf clubs do the talking at the seventh edition of the Railway Invitation on Sunday.
In a stunning performance, Makokha, who is hearing impaired, defeated Kenya’s top-ranked golfer, Michael Karanga, with a score of 5-under(211) to prevail.
Makokha, a bronze medallist at the 2022 Brazil Deaflympics, delivered a stellar performance over three days at the Kenya Railway Golf Club, silencing the competition.
He opened the tournament with an impressive 4-under-par-68, followed by steady rounds of 71 and 72. His consistent and disciplined play allowed him to sustain his lead throughout the event.
Despite a fierce charge from Michael Karanga, who shot a final round of 68, it wasn’t enough to overtake Makokha. The match came down to the final hole, where Makokha held his nerve and sank a crucial putt on the 18th to win by a single stroke and avoid a playoff.
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Karanga wound up second with a final score of 4-under(212).
Makokha’s victory marks a significant moment for disability sports in Kenya and serves as a powerful example of inclusion in competitive golf. It was his first title since 2022, earning him a prize of Shs 92,500.
Bernard Banja, President of the Kenya Sports Federation of the Deaf, who graced the prize-giving gala, described the win as “a proud and historic moment for the deaf sporting community, and an inspiration for all aspiring athletes with disabilities.”
His words were echoed by Daniel Ogembo, Chairman of the Kenya Golf Deaf Federation, who praised Makokha’s focus and determination. He also confirmed that Makokha will represent Kenya at the 2025 Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan.
After his win, Makokha expressed his gratitude, saying, “After years of trying, I’m thrilled to be a winner. I thank God for making my dream a reality, and my Captain for always encouraging me to hope instead of despair. I also thank the Railway Club for their trust and support, which they’ve shown me despite my disability.”
He also credited his fellow golfers for helping him grow, adding, “I banked on my experience and invaluable lessons I’ve learned from my fellow golfers. I’m especially proud to have beaten Karanga today, a player known for being the strongest, who challenged me for so long that I gained the experience I needed to win.”
Chris Kinuthia, Chairman of the Kenya Golf Union, congratulated Makokha and highlighted the importance of the Union’s G4D (Golf for the Disabled) Programme, emphasising that the victory exemplifies their efforts to support inclusivity.