The Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) has announced that the Nigerian Open Golf Tournament will take place from November 16 to November 20, 2027. This marks the return of the country's biggest golf event after a two-decade absence. Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, NGF President, made the announcement while outlining plans to reposition golf and raise its standards in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Open was a golf tournament played in Nigeria between 1969 and 1999, generally held at the Ikoyi Club in Lagos. From 1997 to 1999, it was played at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja, where it was last held. Runsewe stated that the federation had taken time to prepare for the tournament to ensure it meets international standards.
The NGF has been working on rebranding and establishing systems capable of meeting international standards. This includes a new social media strategy, website, insurance policies, and a World Handicap System (WHS) index. The WHS initiative aims to ensure that golf clubs nationwide adopt a common system, as part of the NGF's strategy to internationalize the sport.
According to Runsewe, the 2027 Nigeria Open is expected to attract more than 20 countries from Africa, Europe, and other continents. The tournament will be a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am event with world ranking status and an Amateur World Ranking connection. Winners will have opportunities to qualify for international circuits, and a competitive prize purse will help attract more professionals.
The NGF has engaged consultancy and marketing firms to drive sponsorship, branding, and promotion of the tournament. Runsewe stated that the successful marketing and branding companies will be announced within weeks. The federation deliberately delayed the tournament to build the capacity required for a sustainable event.
The tournament will prioritize youth development, addressing the longstanding gap between younger and older generations of golfers. The NGF will embark on a coaching education program for professionals and golf academy coaches. Golf coaching training is mandatory and increasingly technology-driven, and Nigeria must keep pace with global developments.
Runsewe expressed appreciation to stakeholders and practitioners supporting the federation's efforts to reposition golf in Nigeria. The NGF president stated that the tournament will be held at a yet-to-be-confirmed venue, with Lakowe Golf Resort, Lagos, being considered as a possible host. The event is expected to feature between 150 and 200 golfers.
Key points
- The Nigeria Golf Federation schedules the Nigerian Open Golf Tournament for November 16-20, 2027, after a 20-year hiatus.
- The tournament aims to attract more than 20 countries from Africa, Europe, and other continents.
- The event will prioritize youth development and feature a coaching education program for professionals and golf academy coaches.
