Are Nigerians Beginning To Embrace Golf?

By Olanike Fagbule

It used to be the exclusive preserve of the rich and famous; the nine-figure money bags who can either afford to build their own Golf courses (costing an average of N400M) or travel to Korea, Spain and South Africa to engage and indulge in the gentleman’s game.

And over the years, it has often been referred to as ‘The rich man’s hobby”, “The game for the old and accomplished” “a classy man’s sport”, “a game for the high and mighty”, and although a lot of things (such as the price of the Golf Kit, and the price to register in a golf club) point in that direction, reports have shown that more and more young men in Nigeria are working hard to join the golf league.

Michael Franklin, a young undergraduate who doubles as a manager at the Port Harcourt Golf Club attests to this “I’m learning to play Golf, but considering the fact that the cost to play Golf is on the high side, I mix it with Football”

But with standard Golf courses now springing up across the length and breadth of Nigeria and the increasing awareness that romancing the club and ball requires more of time, passion and integrity than bank balance, more professionals are now embracing the sport. Long time apostles and recent converts include Secretary to the Government of the Federation Yayale Ahmed, LaBash boss Lanre Bashiru, Oando’s Deputy Managing Director Mofe Boyo, Boss of Jungle filmworks Seyi Siwooku, Senate President David Mark, Towncrier’s Tade Adekunle, Former CBN Governor Adamu Ciroma and politician Yomi Edu.

“Why will I want to play Golf, I’d rather leave the game for my father and his friends to play, it’s not my game, It’s an old man’s game, it is for the rich” Temi Balogun an undergraduate told NET

People think Golf is for the rich, but it is just like paying any other game. It is fun, but it is developing” Another golfer Gbenga Kuku disagrees  

‘‘The interest for Golf is what I have, I have a coach that takes me every time, I see people come in and I know how much they spend for membership and kits, I see myself there soon, it will just take time” Michael Franklin says

No wonder more and more Nigerians are scrambling to be part of the World Golfer Championship organized by Global Golf and sponsored by MTN.

“The competition is getting bigger and bigger”, says Obinna Duru of Global Golf. “More and more Nigerians are getting more familiar with Golf, so it’s not surprising that this fourth edition has everyone “eager” to participate.