Sports
Nigeria Open Golf tournament set for grand return after 28-year break
The return of the tournament is expected to renew interest in one of Nigeria’s major golf competitions after nearly three decades without an edition.
The Nigeria Open Golf Tournament will return in November 2027 after a 28-year absence, the Nigeria Golf Federation has announced.
The tournament, which was last held in 1999, is scheduled to take place from November 16 to 20, 2027.
President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday.
The return of the tournament is expected to renew interest in one of Nigeria’s major golf competitions after nearly three decades without an edition.
Runsewe said the federation had spent time preparing for the tournament as part of efforts to reposition Nigerian golf and meet international standards.
“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,” he said.
The Nigerian Open was held between 1969 and 1999, mainly at the Ikoyi Club in Lagos. It moved to the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, for its final editions between 1997 and 1999.
Runsewe said the federation’s preparations included a new social media strategy, website, insurance policies and the adoption of the World Handicap System index.
He said the handicap system would provide a common framework for golf clubs across the country and support efforts to internationalise the sport.
“This is going to be a new beginning for golf in Nigeria,” he said.
According to Runsewe, more than 20 countries from Africa, Europe and other continents are expected to participate in the 2027 tournament, while between 150 and 200 golfers are expected to compete.
He said the NGF was in discussions with Lakowe Golf Resort in Lagos as a possible venue for the event.
The tournament is planned as a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am event with world ranking status and an Amateur World Ranking connection.
Runsewe said the winners would have opportunities to qualify for international circuits, while a competitive prize purse would be offered to attract professional golfers.
The NGF president said the federation had engaged consultancy and marketing companies to handle sponsorship, branding and promotion of the tournament, with the successful firms expected to be announced within weeks.
He said the federation deliberately delayed the return of the tournament to build the capacity required to organise a sustainable event.
“Why rush into what you don’t have the capacity to deliver?” he said.
He added that youth development would be a major focus of the tournament and the federation’s wider plans for golf.
Runsewe also announced plans for a coaching education programme for golf professionals and academy coaches, noting that training had become increasingly technology-driven.
“Training in golf is more IT-based now as the world is advancing and we don’t want Nigeria to be left behind,” he said.
Follow Us on Google Discover
England end Spain’s 43-Game unbeaten run with thrilling 3-2 victory in Nations League
Tinubu approves recruitment of 28,000 Soldiers, 50,000 Police Officers
Massive crowd welcomes Atiku’s campaign motorcade in Yobe ahead of presidential rally
BREAKING: Thugs attack Kwankwaso’s campaign convoy in Kano
‘No Nigerian president has been embarrassed like Tinubu’ — Timi Frank
2027: ‘Peter Obi brought thugs to Edo, failed to settle them, somebody died’ – Okpebholo
Gunmen ambush travellers in Benue, abduct three passengers
JUST IN: Tinubu approves five-year security strategy to tackle insurgency, banditry
State Police Bill: 32 assemblies approve, Senate gives four states Tuesday deadline
”A Painful Loss”: Hon. Kasim Mohammed spends night with victims of Gwagwalada market fire
Bandits kill Governor Dauda Lawal’s aide during Zamfara attack
JUST IN: Emir of Kano Sanusi meets Ladoja in Ibadan, reaffirms Yoruba-Hausa ties
BBNaija star Sultana appointed Cross River Tourism Ambassador
INEC commences BVAS configuration ahead of 2027 polls
NDLEA arrests 56-year-old man over 25kg meth hidden in breakfast cereals at Lagos airport
Kwankwaso’s daughter seeks divorce from Kano Governor Abba Yusuf after 20 Years of marriage amid political rift
Forgive me for stopping at the airport only during my last visit – Tinubu begs Plateau people at APC presidential rally
NAFDAC uncovers suspected illegal cosmetics factory at Lagos trade fair complex
Tinubu Northern Youth Forum dumps President, adopts Atiku’s name ahead of 2027
2027: Massive crowd welcomes Atiku in Bauchi ahead of ADC Presidential campaign rally
Atiku, Makinde near deal to unite against Tinubu in 2027
2027: Atiku has 13 northern states, Tinubu has only five in South-West, APM will take Oyo — Amaechi
Trump, Putin, Xi to meet for first-ever three-way summit in China
BREAKING: Thugs attack Kwankwaso’s campaign convoy in Kano
”A Painful Loss”: Hon. Kasim Mohammed spends night with victims of Gwagwalada market fire
I will restore petroleum, electricity subsidies, just vote for me – Atiku vows in Bauchi
JUST IN: Emir of Kano Sanusi meets Ladoja in Ibadan, reaffirms Yoruba-Hausa ties
2027: ASUU bars officials from endorsing political parties, candidates
‘Fabricated and misleading’ – INEC debunks viral resignation rumor of Chairman Amupitan
