Andrian Ongwae in action during past golf tournaments/ HANDOUT Kisii Sports captain and amateur golfer Adria Ongwae is bullish about transforming the club into a beacon of golf excellence
Ongwae, whose leadership and passion for the game earned him the captaincy last year, believes the club is on the cusp of something special.
"I still see Kisii Sports Club evolving into the beacon of golfing excellence in Western Kenya,” he said.
Over the weekend, the club’s momentum was on full display as the quartet of Dismas Mokua, Peter Mogendi, Zachary Bichage and Andrew Nyanusi carded a combined total of 99 points to book their slot in the KCB East Africa Golf Tour grand finale slated for December.
But Ongwae’s journey didn’t begin on the fairways. A former hockey player, his foray into golf began in February 2016, thanks to a friend’s gentle nudge.
“I owe my start in golf to my good friend Andrew Kombo. He nudged me into it. And since I was already an accomplished hockey player, the transition felt quite natural,” he said.
What began as casual curiosity has since blossomed into a near-decade-long adventure.
From the rolling greens of Limuru to the coastal challenge of Mombasa’s Front Course, Ongwae has tested his swing at some of the region’s finest layouts.
Starting at handicap 28, he quickly refined his game, reaching a personal best of handicap 10.
Along the way, he’s picked up wins and memorable rounds at courses such as Kericho, Nyanza, Nyali, Sigona, Vet Lab, Railway, Kitale and Kisii.
His passport has impressive rounds across the border, teeing off at Uganda’s Entebbe, Lugazi Hills, Serena and Kampala clubs, as well as Tanzania’s Gymkhana in Dar es Salaam.
Yet, there’s one milestone that continues to elude him, the hole-in-one.
“It’s coming, I’m patient," he said.
Despite this, Ongwae reckons he has achieved more than he had envisioned since joining the sport.
"I believe I have achieved everything I set out to do and probably even surpassed my initial goals," he said.
Off the course, Ongwae is a poultry farmer and a marketing professional, but golf runs deep in his family, too.
"I introduced my wife to golf, and she is quickly becoming almost as good as me,” he said.
"It makes it easier to balance golf and family. I have also brought in my nephew and sister. My dad and brothers…. well, they’re still a work in progress.”
Known for his powerful drives and clean putting, Ongwae keeps his style simple and effective.
He draws inspiration from golfing greats, both global and local.
“Phil Mickelson globally and locally, it is Sammy Mulama, those are my icons.
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