Nyali Caddie Golf Project - From caddie to Professional Player

What is a caddie? Caddies are an important part of professional tournaments, but also in amateur sport. They not only carry the player`s club bag, but also advise on club selection and reading the green... Whilst caddies are respected in many countries, the reality is different in most African countries: Being a caddie means belonging to a socially lower class. Even the most successful caddie is often seen as inferior and social advancement is almost impossible.

At the old colonial Nyali Golf & Country Club in Mombasa, the members of Universal Lighthouse met five exceptional caddies: William Odeck, Dickson Barasa, John Timbe, Solomon Majanga and Hassan Kalamu. These men taught themselves the game of golf through observation and practice and now have handicaps between 0 and 5 - an outstanding achievement that speaks volumes for their life stories and talent. Recently, the talented young golfer Jacquelyne "Jackie" Walter also joined the team.

Opportunities through targeted training
Through specially tailored training programmes that cover technical and mental aspects, as well as the provision of high-quality equipment, Universal Lighthouse has given the caddies the opportunity to compete on an equal footing with professional golfers. Thanks to the financial support and the organisation of tournaments, they have already been able to celebrate significant successes. Our very deliberate approach of not fighting the prevailing system, but systematically setting a new course, has already led to unprecedented changes and achievements.

A particularly big success was achieved in 2024: William Odeck won the high-calibre Kenya Strokeplay Championships in a neck-and-neck racing against the best Kenyan golfer of recent years and qualified directly for the Magical Kenya Open, a tournament on the European Tour. This is a milestone because it shows that even a caddie has the chance to prevail against golf`s elite.
William dedicated the victory to all the caddies in the country and in his speech expressly thanked Universal Lighthouse for their continuous support, referring to his fitness and nutrition coach Thomas Mooser, and in particular to his mentor and international mental coach Bernard Payet, who guided him day and night through these sensitive phases, looked after him over a long period of time and prepared this success over the last three years.
His victory symbolises a turning point for caddies in Kenya and all over Africa, who often face discrimination and social exclusion. It is a testament to the human greatness, immense courage and unwavering will of our players.

Community and responsibility
Despite their modest circumstances - most of the caddies earn just enough to feed their families - these six talented golfers are committed to the next generation. They have taken eleven children from the slums of Mombasa into their care and offer them training as golfers and caddies. Originally planned as a government talent development programme, the money never reached the children, which is why the caddies decided to take the programme into their own hands. With the few resources available to them, they teach the young players and cover the costs as best they can.

A path for the future
The Nyali Caddie Golf project not only stands for sporting success, but also for social change. It shows that talent and determination can break down barriers and creates new prospects for young people who would otherwise have none. Through the support of Universal Lighthouse and the commitment of the caddies, the way is being paved for the next generation of golfers from Kenya to change not only the sport, but also their future but more so the future community environment.