The Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) will host the Nigerian Open Golf Tournament from 16 to 20 November 2027. The announcement marks the return of the country’s biggest golf event after nearly three decades. NGF President Olusegun Runsewe disclosed this in an interview on Saturday in Abuja.
The Nigerian Open was held between 1969 and 1999. It was mainly staged at Ikoyi Club in Lagos. It later moved to IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, from 1997 to 1999. It was last held in 1999. The tournament attracted top professionals from across Africa and beyond. Its disappearance reflected the decline of Nigerian golf. Funding dried up. Infrastructure decayed. The sport became elite and insular.
Runsewe said the federation has taken time to prepare. “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,” he said. The tournament will be a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am event. It will have world ranking status and an Amateur World Ranking connection. Winners will have opportunities to qualify for international circuits.
The NGF has rebranded. It has a new social media strategy, website, insurance policies and a World Handicap System index. The WHS ensures clubs nationwide adopt a common system. Runsewe said more than 20 countries from Africa, Europe and other continents will participate. Between 150 and 200 golfers are expected. Lakowe Golf Resort in Lagos is a possible venue.
The federation has engaged consultancy and marketing firms. Sponsorship, branding and promotion are priorities. The successful firms will be announced within weeks. Runsewe said the tournament will prioritise youth development. A coaching education programme for professionals and academy coaches is planned.
The delay was deliberate. “Why rush into what you don’t have the capacity to deliver?” Runsewe asked. The preparation period has paid off, he said.
Winners: The NGF, which revives a flagship event. Golfers, who gain a ranking event. Lagos, which may host. Sponsors, who gain visibility. Youth golfers, who gain development pathways. Losers: Critics who see golf as elitist. Other sports, which compete for sponsorship. The tournament, if sponsorship falls short. No serious losers if the event delivers.
Bottom Line: The Nigerian Open returns in 2027. After 28 years, the NGF is rebuilding. The tournament has world ranking status. Over 20 countries will participate. The preparation matters. Delivery is the test.