Kenya hosts a memorable start to the 16th World Mlitary Golf Championship
DIANI (KEN) - The 16th CISM World Military Golf Championship officially teed off with an elegant Opening Ceremony held on Sunday, 23 June 2025, in the stunning setting of Diani Beach, Kenya. Organized by the Kenya Defence Forces with the support of Kwale County and the Diamond Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, the ceremony was attended by high-level military and civilian authorities, including the Official CISM Representative and Secretary General, Navy Captain Roberto Recchia.
In his address, Captain Recchia warmly thanked the Kenyan authorities for their commitment: “Kenya is giving a strong message of great determination, perseverance, and devotion with the organization of this championship. Your ‘Karibu Kenya’ and your smile are well impressed in our minds.” He praised Kenya’s active role in CISM since joining in 1993 and highlighted that this event, Kenya’s first time hosting a CISM World Championship, stands as a testament to their dedication to the values of Friendship through Sport.
With 120 participants, 89 men and 31 women, from 19 nations across four continents, the championship marks another significant milestone in CISM’s mission to build peace through sport.
The competitive rounds began on Tuesday, 24 June, with both men’s and women’s divisions launching simultaneously from holes 1 and 10 under clear Kenyan skies. Among the first to tee off were Captain Prisca Jebet of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) at 07:40 in the ladies’ category and Lt Col Brian Omito, also of KDF, at 07:50 in the men’s competition.
Day one saw intense action on the fairways. In the men’s individual category, Greece’s Panagiotis Pantazopoulos took an early lead with a superb 1-under-par score of 71. South Africa’s JQ Vd Walt followed closely with 72, while India’s Lt Col Parmar Varoon and France’s OR8 Tasset Tmael posted solid rounds of 73 to remain within striking distance.
Kenya’s Captain Brian Tororei delivered a steady performance, registering two birdies on holes 2 and 4 to finish tied for sixth with a score of 75 (+3), positioning himself well for the upcoming rounds.
On the women’s side, France dominated the leaderboard. OR2 Pauline Stein emerged as the frontrunner with a strong round, ahead of compatriot OR1 Evangeline Prevot. Bangladesh’s Sainik Akter Sonia claimed third position with a score of 79 (+7). Kenya’s Senior Private Christine Kamais showed resilience, finishing the day in 13th place with a score of 94 (+22), demonstrating steady improvement in her game.
In the men's team classification, Greece leads the field with a combined score of 219, followed closely by South Africa (220) and India (222). Kenya currently holds 6th place with a total of 230, remaining competitive among the top contenders.
In the women’s team rankings, France clearly set the pace with a cumulative score of 154, while Bangladesh (167) and Sri Lanka (183) complete the provisional podium. Kenya ranks 6th with a team total of 191, showing promising development among its athletes.
Senior categories also saw notable performances, particularly from the French and Indian delegations, who placed several athletes near the top of the leaderboard
As the tournament progresses, the values of camaraderie, discipline, and mutual respect remain at the heart of the competition. In the words of the CISM Secretary General: “Sport re-establishes communication where dialogue has been extinguished and builds bridges where walls exist. You, the athletes, are the ambassadors of this spirit.”
With such powerful momentum, the 16th edition of the CISM World Military Golf Championship promises a week of high-level sport and enduring friendship on the fairways of Diani.
Follow all the results on the livescoring page of the event !
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)
