The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has said that the church will continue to make efforts to make golf accessible at the grassroots level, ensuring that less privileged individuals can also benefit from the sport and even pursue it as a career.
He made this known at the Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins Anniversary Golf Kitty in Ikoyi, Lagos, organised by the Catholic Golfers Association of Nigeria, where 90 golfers drawn from across the country gathered to honour the Archbishop as he marks the 13th Episcopal and 42nd Priesthood ordination anniversary.
Speaking after the tee-off, the Archbishop expressed joy at the opportunity provided by the anniversaries to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the golf family. He said: “Christ needs to be brought to wherever there is a space for Jesus to be present. The Catholic Golfers Association has ensured we have an opportunity of bringing Christ to the golf course so that they, in turn, can bring Christ to wherever they are.”
The Archbishop expressed his gratitude to the association for using golf as a unique platform for evangelisation, noting that this is the beginning of a new initiative for the church. “This is a beginning, and new ways, new initiatives will continue to be brought to bear,” he stated, highlighting the church’s commitment to exploring all possibilities for its mission.
When asked about the perception of golf as an elite sport, particularly in a country like Nigeria, Archbishop Martins emphasised the church’s dedication to all people, regardless of their social standing. “Jesus came for everyone, both those who lead and those who are led,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the Catholic Golfers Association would find new ways to ensure that those who are less privileged will also have the opportunity to participate in the sport.
Chairman of the Catholic Golfers Association, Sir Emmanuel Okene, said: “The main purpose of the golf kitty is Swinging for the Faith with Catholic golfers as a veritable and willing tool for evangelisation. It is my hope and belief that this mustard seed will grow strong, taking the model of two strong institutions it embraces: the Catholic Church and the game of golf.”
Okene echoed the Archbishop’s sentiments, saying that the Catholic Church is known for its charity work and that the association, now established, will eventually work to unearth and develop talent from the grassroots. “We rest assured that we will do what we know how to do best and we will get to the grassroots eventually,” he assured.
People who participated include host Ikoyi Golf Club, Shasha Golf Club, Ikeja Golf Club, Benin Golf Club, Ibadan Golf Club, along with the former Chairman of Ikoyi Club, Tafa Zibiri-Aliu and other eminent members of the highbrow club who were present at the ceremonial tee-off.
Several trophies were listed to be won in the Veterans category for men and women; Best Net; Best Gross; Nearest to Pin; and Longest Drive in both the men and women categories.
