Nigeria Open Golf Set for 2027 Comeback After 28-Year Absence

The Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) has officially announced the highly anticipated return of the Nigeria Open Golf Tournament in November 2027, marking its comeback after an absence of 28 years. The prestigious event, last contested in 1999, is now slated to run from November 16th to 20th, 2027.

Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, shared this significant development during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday. Runsewe explained that the federation has dedicated considerable time to meticulous preparations, aiming to rejuvenate Nigerian golf and align it with global standards.

He stated, “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.”

Historically, the Nigerian Open was a prominent fixture between 1969 and 1999, predominantly hosted by the Ikoyi Club in Lagos. Towards its final editions, from 1997 to 1999, it transitioned to the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja.

Runsewe detailed the extensive preparatory measures undertaken by the federation, which include the implementation of a new social media strategy, the launch of a dedicated website, securing insurance policies, and the adoption of the World Handicap System index. He emphasized that this handicap system would establish a standardized framework for golf clubs nationwide, thereby bolstering efforts to internationalize the sport within Nigeria.

“This is going to be a new beginning for golf in Nigeria,” Runsewe declared.

The 2027 tournament is expected to draw a diverse international contingent, with participation anticipated from more than 20 countries spanning Africa, Europe, and other continents. The NGF president projects that between 150 and 200 golfers will compete in the event. The federation is currently in discussions with Lakowe Golf Resort in Lagos as a potential host venue.

Designed as a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am competition, the tournament will carry world ranking status and an Amateur World Ranking connection. Runsewe highlighted that success at the event would offer winners crucial opportunities to qualify for various international circuits, complemented by a competitive prize purse structured to attract top professional golfers.

To ensure the event's success, the NGF president revealed that the federation has engaged specialized consultancy and marketing firms to manage sponsorship, branding, and promotion. The selection of these successful firms is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Runsewe clarified that the deliberate delay in bringing back the tournament was strategic, aimed at building the necessary capacity to host a truly sustainable event.

He questioned rhetorically, “Why rush into what you don’t have the capacity to deliver?”

Furthermore, youth development is poised to be a central theme of both the tournament and the federation’s broader strategic plans for golf in Nigeria. Runsewe also unveiled plans for a comprehensive coaching education program tailored for golf professionals and academy coaches, stressing that modern training methodologies are 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 concluded.