The fairways and greens of Maryland were transformed into a celebration of African golf and diaspora unity as Safari DC hosted the 15th edition of the DMV Invitational Golf Tournament, attracting 130 golfers from the United States, Canada and Ireland.
Held over the September 5–6, 2026 Labor Day weekend, the two-day stroke-play tournament brought together golfers representing African communities from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The event, hosted by Safari DC in partnership with the Africa Welfare Association, has evolved from a gathering of golf enthusiasts into one of the most prominent African diaspora golf events in the United States.
The tournament featured competition across different flights, with players separated according to handicap classifications and categories, creating a competitive test of both gross and net scoring.
The presence of Uganda’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Robie Kakonge, added a diplomatic dimension to the tournament, with the envoy serving as chief guest and using the occasion to promote sports diplomacy, tourism development and stronger ties between African countries and their diaspora communities.
Cheruiyot rules Lenana Flight
In the Lenana Flight, reserved for men with a Handicap Index of 14.9 and below, Kennedy Cheruiyot produced the leading two-day gross score, finishing on 156.
Duncan Bitok was runner-up on 160, while Joseph Mongare completed the gross podium with 161.
On the net leaderboard, Elijah Ochung took first place with a score of +1, while Steve Ndegwa finished third on +3.
The gross competition rewards the golfer with the lowest actual number of strokes, while the net competition adjusts scores according to a player’s handicap, allowing golfers of different playing abilities to compete on a more level basis.
Kariuki takes Mansa Flight
The higher-handicap men’s field competed in the Mansa Flight, which was open to golfers with a Handicap Index of 15 and above.
Sam Kariuki emerged as the gross winner after carding 175 over the two rounds.
James Thairu finished second on 185, while John Mumira was third on 189.
The net contest was won by Peter Soi, who posted −3, followed by Cliff Okoth on +3 and Thande Kariuki on +7.
Mwiza wins ladies’ gross title
The Agojie Flight, featuring the ladies’ field, saw Eve Mwiza take the top spot in the gross competition with a combined score of 199.
Wambani Lusenaka and Rosemary Olonde finished second and third respectively, both recording 204.
In the net category, Amy Metet emerged victorious on +16, with Wanjiru Thiongo second on +17 and Catherine Mwangi third on +26.
Nsubuga tops Pros & College field
The Pros & College category produced another strong performance from Godfrey Nsubuga, who won the division with a two-day score of 141.
Chris Baguma finished second on 148, while Michael Alunga also carded 148, with the pair separated in the final standings according to the tournament’s classification.
The event also featured the prestigious InterClub Trophy, which went to Safari DC Golf Club.
Longest drive and closest-to-the-pin contests
Away from the main leaderboard, golfers also battled for daily skills and category honours.
These included the Longest Drive and Closest-to-the-Pin competitions, alongside recognition for the lowest gross and net scores in the men’s and ladies’ fields.
The skills contests added another layer of competition to a tournament already demanding precision off the tee box, accuracy on approach shots, quality iron play, controlled chipping and reliable putting on the greens.
With players competing over two days, consistency became critical, as a costly double bogey or missed putt could have a significant impact on the overall leaderboard.
Kakonge backs golf as tool for diplomacy
Speaking at the tournament, Ambassador Kakonge highlighted the ability of sport to bring people together, describing sports diplomacy as an important vehicle for building unity and understanding.
She also pointed to the role golf can play in promoting tourism and strengthening relationships between African nations and their diaspora communities.
Kakonge commended Safari DC for establishing a platform that brings together African golfers in the United States and pledged continued support for the tournament.
She also encouraged greater investment in and support for young golfers, pointing to the importance of nurturing the next generation of players.
Safari DC Chairman Chieloka Ifudu said the organisation’s ambition goes beyond competition for trophies.
“Safari DC has never been just about golf,” Ifudu said, stressing that the tournament provides a platform for the African diaspora to come together, celebrate its identity and build lasting community connections.
Golf becomes bridge for African diaspora
Now in its 15th year, the DMV Invitational has developed into a major fixture on the African diaspora sporting calendar.
The tournament’s ability to bring together golfers from different countries demonstrates the social power of the sport, with the 19th hole effectively extending beyond the clubhouse to become a place for networking, friendship and community building.
From the first tee shot to the final putt, the tournament combined competition with camaraderie, giving players an opportunity to showcase their golfing skills while strengthening connections across generations and nationalities.
Safari DC said the wider mission of the DMV Invitational is to use golf as a unifying platform and showcase the strength, unity and spirit of the African diaspora in the United States.
The organisers credited sponsors and partners, including the Embassy of Uganda in Washington, D.C., Africa Welfare Association, LNEK Consulting, USI, Cigna, Karis Autobody, Central Lakes Medical Corporation, Rain Financial Services, Transamerica, Frontpoint, the Dr. Cathy Kamanze Foundation, Joseph K. Gichuku, Jamachi, Denababa Engineering, Africaire, Noble Income Tax LLC, Chidolue Law Firm, Kimberly Walker MD and The Primary Care Group of Maryland, for supporting the tournament.
With its 15th edition now in the books, the DMV Invitational continues to demonstrate that golf can be more than a contest of birdies, pars, bogeys and handicaps—it can also be a powerful fairway connecting African communities across borders.
