Nigeria Open Golf Returns In 2027 After Two-Decade Absence — Runsewe

The Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) has announced plans to revive the Nigeria Open Golf Tournament in November 2027, nearly three decades after the competition was last held.

NGF President, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, said the tournament would take place from November 16 to 20, 2027, as part of the federation’s efforts to reposition golf in Nigeria and restore the country’s premier national tournament to the international calendar.

“We are very happy to announce that we will be organising a befitting Nigeria Open Golf Tournament, the biggest golfing event in the country after two decades of absence,” Runsewe said.

The Nigeria Open was traditionally one of the country’s leading golf tournaments, having been staged between 1969 and 1999, mainly at Ikoyi Club in Lagos.

The tournament was moved to the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja for its final three editions from 1997 to 1999.

Runsewe said the federation had deliberately taken time to prepare for the tournament rather than rush its return without the structures and capacity required to sustain an event of international standard.

He said the NGF had embarked on a broad rebranding programme, including the development of a new social media strategy and website, insurance initiatives and the adoption of the World Handicap System (WHS) index.

According to him, the WHS would provide a common handicap system for golf clubs across the country and help align Nigerian golf with international standards.

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

The NGF president said the federation expected more than 20 countries from Africa, Europe and other parts of the world to participate in the 2027 tournament.

He disclosed that discussions were ongoing with Lakowe Golf Resort in Lagos over the possibility of hosting the event, with between 150 and 200 golfers expected to compete.

The proposed tournament will be a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am event with world ranking status and an Amateur World Ranking connection.

Runsewe said the tournament would provide opportunities for successful players to progress to international circuits, while an attractive prize purse would be put in place to encourage the participation of leading professionals.

He added that the NGF had engaged consultancy and marketing firms to handle sponsorship, branding and promotion, with the successful companies expected to be announced within weeks.

Explaining the lengthy preparation period, Runsewe said the federation was determined to establish a sustainable platform before bringing back the Nigeria Open.

“Why rush into what you don’t have the capacity to deliver?” he asked, stressing that the preparation period had enabled the federation to put the necessary structures in place.

Beyond the tournament itself, Runsewe said youth development would form a major part of the federation’s plans, particularly in addressing the gap between younger golfers and the older generation.

“Under my leadership, we are changing all of that,” he said, adding that the NGF would introduce coaching education programmes for professional golfers and golf academy coaches.

He stressed the importance of continuous training, noting that modern golf coaching was increasingly driven by technology and data.

“Training in golf is more IT-based now as the world is advancing and we don’t want Nigeria to be left behind,” Runsewe said.

He expressed appreciation to golf stakeholders and practitioners supporting the federation’s efforts to develop the sport and prepare the ground for the return of the Nigeria Open.

The proposed 2027 edition is expected to provide a major platform for Nigerian golfers while also opening the country to increased international participation and exposure.