Young Chanelle Wangari to carry Kenyan flag in South Africa

A seven-year-old girl will be flying the national flag in a continental golf championship in South Africa next month.

Chanelle Wangari will represent Kenya at the Africa Junior Golf Championship due September 1-5 in South Africa.

Wangari is the only Kenyan representative at the annual non-handicap championship that attracts top junior golfers from Africa, USA, England, Belgium and France aged between 6-18.

The tournament offers the only unique opportunity for African junior golfers to interact and showcase their skills amongst other top contenders from other countries at the international level.

At her tender age, Wangari has competed and won in some of the best golf clubs in Kenya including Muthaiga, Royal Nairobi, Thika, Golf Park among others.

With half a dozen trophies and medals in her cabinet, Wangari will be seeking to win her first major international title. The Junior Golf Foundation has already presented Wangari with the national flag ahead of her departure to South Africa.

She defended her title at the Thika Junior Golf Open Classic on Sunday with a score of 32 points. She also won in Kiambu on Thursday this week, posting 56 gross over nine holes.

Wangari will compete at Vet Lab Junior tournament on Tuesday before leaving for South Africa.

Even as she embarks on her first major tournament outside the country, Wangari — a class two pupil at Makini School — is taking it easy as she continues to refine her skills.

“I am not afraid of the big stage since I trust in my abilities,” Wangari told Sunday Nation Sport. “My secret is praying and working hard towards improving my game.”

FAN OF TIGER WOODS

Wangari, an ardent fan of Naomi Wafula, Michelle Wie and former World Number One Tiger Woods, said she is determined to reach the peak in golf and represent the country in major events.

“Right now I’m good at short game but I want to refine my game for all round super display,” Wangari said. “I believe the opportunities in South Africa will open up my game. I just want to be the best in the world.”

Wangari said the fact that 16-year-old Wafula is a national champion proves the rich talent the country has but only if the young are given the opportunity to thrive.

“Wafula comes from a humble background and that is what sports is all about. We need to tap golf talent from all corners and help those who are not able to achieve their potential,” said Wangari, who is also performing well in academics just like in sports. She topped her class this term.