At Ruiru Sports Club, the final weeks of February will carry more meaning than the usual hum of competition on the fairways. They will signal the close of a two-year chapter under Lady Captain Rodah Mukami ,a chapter defined by growth, visibility and renewed ambition in women’s golf.

Mukami’s tenure draws to a close with the Lady Captain’s Prize, a flagship tournament that has evolved into one of the most anticipated dates on the club’s calendar. This year’s edition, set for February 28, is projected to attract a field exceeding 300 players, a clear indicator of how the event, and the ladies’ section itself, has grown in stature.

Rather than a single-day affair, the celebration unfolds across an entire week, weaving together competition, appreciation and community impact. The programme opens with a dedicated golf day for caddies and staff, a nod to the individuals who quietly keep the club running behind the scenes. Senior members will have their moment on the course shortly after, alongside a social club night that blends rivalry with camaraderie.

Midweek activities stretch beyond sport. A Corporate Social Responsibility initiative forms part of the build-up, underscoring a belief that golf can be both competitive and compassionate. As anticipation builds, a curtain-raiser tournament sets the tone before a relaxed, Koroga-themed Chip and Putt event invites families and social golfers to share in the festivities.

The climax, however, will be the Lady Captain’s Prize itself , a competitive showdown expected to test the depth and quality of a field drawn from across the region. The curtain will fall with a Juniors Mug tournament, symbolically passing the spotlight to the next generation.

While farewell tournaments often focus on ceremony, Mukami’s exit tells a deeper story. During her time in office, Ruiru strengthened its position on the national women’s golf map by staging high-profile competitions under the auspices of the Kenya Ladies Golf Union. Hosting elite events not only raised the club’s profile but also exposed local players to higher standards of competition.

More importantly, participation within the ladies’ section has expanded, and belief among players has grown. The club now boasts representation in its elite ranks from female golfers, while a steady stream of junior girls is progressing through structured development pathways. Several are edging closer to single-handicap status, a milestone that speaks to technical improvement and consistency.

Corporate partners have also taken notice. The Lady Captain’s Prize has secured strong backing from Family Bank as the lead sponsor, with additional support from Dhahabu Land Ltd, Croton Motors, Aurora Scents, Compnet Advisory Systems, Fantom Estates, Auto Master, Shell and other stakeholders. Their involvement reflects confidence not just in the event, but in the direction of the ladies’ game at Ruiru.

Strategically positioned along the Thika Superhighway, Ruiru Sports Club continues to expand its footprint as a multi-sport facility serving families and corporate members alike. With expansive grounds and room for further development, the club’s trajectory mirrors the progress witnessed within its ladies’ section.

As Mukami prepares to hand over leadership, her legacy is less about the ceremonial tee shot and more about momentum. Participation is up. Standards are rising. Young players are dreaming bigger. And when the final putt drops at the Lady Captain’s Prize, it will mark not an ending, but the continuation of a journey she helped accelerate.