 |
| Photo credit — Otunba Olusegun Runsewe |
The Nigeria Open Golf Tournament is scheduled to return in November 2027, ending a long absence that began after the last edition in 1999. The Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) has confirmed the dates as 16–20 November 2027, positioning the event as a key step in rebuilding competitive golf in the country.
Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, shared the plans in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja. He described the return as part of broader efforts to raise standards and align Nigerian golf with international norms after years of limited high-level activity.
“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,” Runsewe said. He later added that the revival marks “a new beginning for golf in Nigeria.”
RELATED
→〉Super Eagles Come From Behind to Beat Madagascar 2-1 in AFCON 2027 Qualifier
→〉Mbappé leaves France camp with knee injury after scoring in Zidane’s Nations League debut
→〉Nasarawa United vs Niger Tornadoes: Crucial Northern Derby in NPFL Matchday 6
A Look Back at the Tournament’s History
The Nigerian Open ran from 1969 to 1999. Most editions took place at the Ikoyi Club in Lagos. The final few years shifted to the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja (1997–1999). After 1999 the event disappeared from the calendar, removing one of Nigeria’s main links to professional and high-level amateur golf. Its long absence left a gap that local clubs and federations have struggled to fill with consistent national championships of similar prestige.
What the 2027 Edition Will Look Like
Organisers plan a four-day Pro-Am format over 64 holes. The event is intended to carry world ranking status and a connection to the Amateur World Ranking system. Between 150 and 200 golfers are expected, with participants drawn from more than 20 countries across Africa, Europe and beyond.
Winners would gain pathways toward international circuits, supported by a competitive prize purse designed to attract professionals.
The NGF is in discussions with Lakowe Golf Resort in Lagos as a potential venue. Exact confirmation of the host course is still pending. The federation has already engaged consultancy and marketing firms to handle sponsorship, branding and promotion; announcements of selected partners are expected in the coming weeks.
Federation Preparations and Wider Goals
Runsewe emphasised that the delay in reviving the Open was deliberate. The federation first focused on building organisational capacity, including a refreshed social media presence, an updated website, insurance arrangements, and adoption of the World Handicap System index. The handicap framework aims to create a consistent standard across Nigerian clubs and help the sport operate more easily on the international stage.
“Why rush into what you don’t have the capacity to deliver?” he asked, underscoring the priority on sustainability over a rushed return.
Youth development is listed as a core focus of both the tournament and the federation’s longer-term plans. In addition, the NGF intends to launch a coaching education programme for professionals and academy coaches. Runsewe noted that modern golf instruction has become more technology-driven and that Nigeria needs to keep pace: “Training in golf is more IT-based now as the world is advancing and we don’t want Nigeria to be left behind.”
LINKS
→〉CAF Pays Tribute to Super Falcons Legend Osinachi Ohale After International Retirement
Why This Matters for Nigerian Golf
A successful return of the Nigeria Open could raise the sport’s visibility, create clearer pathways for talented young players, and attract more sponsorship and international attention. Golf in Nigeria has long operated in a relatively niche space compared with football and athletics. Structured national events with ranking points and prize money help professionalise the pathway and give local players measurable goals.
Challenges remain. Capacity building, consistent funding, accessible coaching, and strong club-level participation will determine whether the 2027 event becomes a one-off or the start of a regular, high-quality fixture. The federation’s emphasis on preparation, handicap standardisation, and youth programmes suggests an awareness of these requirements.
As the countdown to November 2027 begins, attention will turn to final venue confirmation, sponsorship packages, and the detailed entry criteria. If executed well, the revived Nigeria Open could help reposition the country on the African and broader international golf map.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers news, politics, current affairs, education, and technology.
Post a Comment