The Nigeria Open Golf Tournament is set to return in November 2027 after a 28-year absence.
The tournament, last held in 1999, is scheduled for November is 16 to 20, 2027.
The President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, said the federation had been preparing to ensure the event meets international standards.
“We are very happy to announce that we will be organizing a befitting Nigerian Open Golf Tournament, the biggest golfing event in the country after two decades of absence,” he said.
The Nigerian Open was held between 1969 and 1999, mainly at the Ikoyi Club in Lagos, before moving to the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, for its final editions between 1997 and 1999.
Runsewe said preparations included a new social media strategy, a website, insurance policies and adoption of the World Handicap System index.
He said the handicap system would provide a common framework for golf clubs across the country and support efforts to internationalise the sport.
“This is going to be a new beginning for golf in Nigeria,” he said.
Runsewe said more than 20 countries from Africa, Europe and other continents were expected to participate, while between 150 and 200 golfers were projected to compete.
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He said the federation was discussing with Lakowe Golf Resort in Lagos as a possible venue for the tournament.
The event is planned as a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am tournament with world ranking status and an Amateur World Ranking connection.
Runsewe said winners would have opportunities to qualify for international circuits, while a competitive prize purse would be offered to attract professional golfers.
He said the federation had engaged consultancy and marketing companies to handle sponsorship, branding and promotion, with the successful firms expected to be announced within weeks.
Runsewe said the federation deliberately delayed the tournament’s return to build the capacity needed to organise a sustainable event.
“Why rush into what you don’t have the capacity to deliver?” he said.
He added that youth development would remain a major focus of the tournament and the federation’s broader plans for golf.
Runsewe also announced plans for a coaching education programme for golf professionals and academy coaches, noting that training had become increasingly technology-driven.
“Training in golf is more IT-based now as the world is advancing and we don’t want Nigeria to be left behind,” he said.
Punch Newspaper
