The Nigeria Open Golf Tournament is set to return in November 2027 after 28 years of absence.
The tournament was last held in 1999. The Nigeria Golf Federation has now scheduled its comeback for November 16 to 20, 2027.
President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Saturday.
Runsewe said the federation had taken time to prepare for the tournament. According to him, the delay was deliberate to ensure the NGF builds the capacity to deliver a sustainable event that meets international standards.
He said the federation is working to reposition golf in Nigeria and raise the sport to global standards.
“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,” Runsewe said.
The Nigeria Open was held between 1969 and 1999. For most of its history, it was played at the Ikoyi Club in Lagos before its final editions were moved to the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja from 1997 to 1999.
Runsewe said preparations have included a new social media strategy, a dedicated website, insurance policies and the adoption of the World Handicap System index.
He explained that the World Handicap System will provide a common framework for golf clubs across the country and help internationalize the sport in Nigeria.
He described the planned return as a new beginning for golf in Nigeria and a new chapter for the sport in Africa.
The 2027 edition is planned as a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am tournament with world-ranking status and a link to the Amateur World Ranking.
The federation is expecting participation from more than 20 countries across Africa, Europe and other continents, with between 150 and 200 golfers projected to compete.
Runsewe said the NGF is currently in discussions with Lakowe Golf Resort in Lagos as a possible host venue for the tournament.
He added that winners will have opportunities to qualify for international circuits, while a competitive prize purse will be offered to attract top professional golfers.
The federation has also engaged consultancy and marketing firms to handle sponsorship, branding and promotion for the event.
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