The president of Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has heralded ‘a new beginning’ in the sector, as he announced the impending return of the country’s most prestigious competition, which he promised will be staged under an improved system.
Sports247 reports that Runsewe was in upbeat mood and spoke with obvious delight, as he announced that the prestiigious Nigerian Open Golf Tournament will be staged from November 16th to 20th, 2027, thereby giving it a glorious return after nearly three decades of its absence.
Runsewe added that the NGF is committed to repositioning golf in Nigeria and raising its standards to global levels, hence their decision to revive the Open, which held from 1969 to 1996 at Ikoyi Club in Lagos, before moving to IBB International Country Club, Abuja from 1997 to 1999.
He disclosed further that the NGF is already in discussions with Lakowe Golf Resort in Lagos as a possible venue for the revived competition, which is expcted to have between 150 and 200 golfers of various levels in attendance, as the federation moves to rebrand the contest.
The NGF boss added that the federation has also taken its time to prepare well before relaunching the contest, with a view towards establishing durable structures and a system that would meet international standards, among which is a new social media strategy.
Runsewe explained that the new strategy will include a website, insurance policies and the World Handicap System (WHS) index, which is an initiative that will ensure golf clubs nationwide adopt a common method of approach, as part of its globalisation efforts.
“We are very happy to announce that we will be organising a befitting Nigerian Open Golf Tournament, the biggest golfing event in the country after two decades of absence.
“This is going to be a new beginning for golf in Nigeria. We are just opening up a new chapter for golf in Nigeria and Africa. Why rush into what you don’t have the capacity to deliver? Under my leadership, we are changing all of that,” Runsewe assured.
Sports247 gathered further that the competition will be a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am event with world ranking status and an Amateur World Ranking connection, while winners will have opportunities to qualify for international circuits, with a lucrative purse on offer.
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