The President of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has revealed plans to bring back the Nigeria Open Golf Tournament after two decades of absence. The tournament is scheduled to take place between November 16 and 20, 2027. Runsewe described the event as the country's biggest golf tournament, which will be held at a yet-to-be-confirmed venue, with Lakowe Golf Resort in Lagos being considered.
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. The tournament's return is part of Runsewe's plans to reposition golf and raise its standards in the country.
According to Runsewe, the federation has taken time to prepare for the tournament to ensure it meets international standards. Part of the rebranding efforts include 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.
The 2027 Nigeria Open is expected to attract more than 20 countries from Africa, Europe, and other continents, with over 150-200 golfers participating in the 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am event. The tournament will have world ranking status and an Amateur World Ranking connection, providing winners with opportunities to qualify for international circuits.
Runsewe noted that the NGF has engaged consultancy and marketing firms to drive sponsorship, branding, and promotion of the tournament. 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 to address 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, with golf coaching training being mandatory and increasingly technology-driven.
Runsewe appreciated stakeholders and practitioners supporting the federation's efforts to reposition golf in Nigeria, cautioning that Nigeria must keep pace with global developments in golf. The NGF's efforts aim to bring golf in Nigeria to international standards, providing a new beginning for the sport in the country.
Key points
- The Nigeria Open Golf Tournament will return from November 16-20, 2027, after 20 years of absence.
- The tournament aims to attract over 20 countries and 150-200 golfers, with a competitive prize purse.
- The event will prioritize youth development and feature a coaching education program for professionals and golf academy coaches.
