The Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) has announced the return of the Nigeria Open Golf Tournament, which has not been held for 28 years. The 2027 edition is scheduled to take place from November 16 to 20. According to NGF President, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the tournament will be a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am event with world ranking status and an Amateur World Ranking connection. This move is part of the federation's efforts to reposition golf and bring its administration and competitions in line with international standards.
The Nigeria Open was previously held in Nigeria between 1969 and 1999, with the final three editions taking place at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja. The tournament is expected to attract between 150 and 200 golfers from Nigeria and abroad, with over 20 countries from Africa, Europe, and other continents projected to participate. The NGF has been working to establish structures that meet international standards, including a new social media strategy, website, insurance policies, and the adoption of the World Handicap System (WHS) index.
The WHS index will provide a common handicap system for golf clubs across the country and support the federation's efforts to further internationalize the sport. Runsewe stated that the preparation for the tournament has been deliberate and focused on ensuring that the event is delivered sustainably. The federation has also engaged consultancy and marketing firms to handle sponsorship, branding, and promotion, with the successful companies expected to be announced within weeks.
The Nigeria Open will offer a prize purse structured to attract professional golfers, with winners having opportunities to qualify for international circuits. The tournament is expected to be held at the Lakowe Golf Resort in Lagos, which is currently being considered as a possible venue. Runsewe expressed his excitement about the tournament, stating that it will be a new beginning for golf in Nigeria.
Beyond the tournament, the NGF is prioritizing youth development and coaching education to address the gap between younger and older generations of Nigerian golfers. The federation will introduce coaching education programs for professional golfers and golf academy coaches, stressing that continuous training is necessary to keep pace with developments in the sport. Runsewe emphasized the importance of IT-based training in golf, stating that Nigeria must not be left behind.
The NGF's efforts to reposition golf in Nigeria also include establishing a strong online presence and engaging with the global golf community. The federation's new social media strategy and website will help to promote the sport and provide a platform for golfers to connect and share information. The adoption of the WHS index is also expected to improve the country's golfing standards and increase its global competitiveness.
With the return of the Nigeria Open, golf enthusiasts in Nigeria and beyond can look forward to an exciting and competitive tournament that meets international standards. The event is expected to bring together golfers from around the world, promoting the sport and providing opportunities for Nigerian golfers to compete at the highest level. The NGF's commitment to youth development and coaching education will also help to ensure a bright future for golf in Nigeria.
Key points
- The 2027 Nigeria Open Golf Tournament will be a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am event with world ranking status.
- The tournament is expected to attract between 150 and 200 golfers from 20 countries.
- The NGF has adopted the World Handicap System (WHS) index to improve golfing standards in Nigeria.
