The Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) has announced plans to revive the Nigeria Open Golf Tournament in November 2027, nearly three decades after the competition was last held. NGF President, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, revealed that the tournament would take place from November 16 to 20, 2027. This move is part of the federation’s efforts to reposition golf in Nigeria and restore the country’s premier national tournament to the international calendar. The tournament will be a significant event, with over 20 countries from Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world expected to participate.
The Nigeria Open was traditionally one of the country’s leading golf tournaments, having been staged between 1969 and 1999, mainly at Ikoyi Club in Lagos. The tournament was later moved to the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja for its final three editions from 1997 to 1999. According to Runsewe, the federation had deliberately taken time to prepare for the tournament rather than rush its return without the structures and capacity required to sustain an event of international standard. This approach aims to ensure the tournament's success and sustainability.
The NGF has embarked on a broad rebranding programme, including the development of a new social media strategy and website, insurance initiatives, and the adoption of the World Handicap System (WHS) index. The WHS will provide a common handicap system for golf clubs across the country and help align Nigerian golf with international standards. Runsewe described this as a new beginning for golf in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of modernizing the sport to meet global expectations.
The proposed tournament will be a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am event with world ranking status and an Amateur World Ranking connection. This format will provide opportunities for successful players to progress to international circuits. An attractive prize purse will be put in place to encourage the participation of leading professionals. The event is expected to feature between 150 and 200 golfers competing at a venue yet to be confirmed, with discussions ongoing with Lakowe Golf Resort in Lagos.
Runsewe disclosed that the NGF had engaged consultancy and marketing firms to handle sponsorship, branding, and promotion. The successful companies are expected to be announced within weeks. This strategic move aims to ensure the tournament's financial and promotional success. The NGF president emphasized the importance of careful planning to deliver a world-class event.
Explaining the lengthy preparation period, Runsewe said the federation was determined to establish a sustainable platform before bringing back the Nigeria Open. He stressed that rushing into an event without the necessary capacity would be counterproductive. The preparation period has enabled the federation to put the necessary structures in place, ensuring a solid foundation for the tournament's success.
Beyond the tournament itself, Runsewe said youth development would form a major part of the federation’s plans, particularly in addressing the gap between younger golfers and the older generation. The NGF will introduce coaching education programmes for professional golfers and golf academy coaches, with a focus on continuous training. This initiative aims to nurture young talent and bridge the gap between generations in Nigerian golf.
Key points
- The Nigeria Open Golf Tournament will return in November 2027 after a two-decade absence.
- The tournament will feature over 20 countries from Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world.
- The event will be a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am event with world ranking status.
