Air Force golfer Kolawole joins PGAN after five years of effort

Nigerian Air Force Sergeant Agboola Kolawole has joined the Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria after five years of trying. He is excited and aims to become one of the top golfers in Nigeria and Africa.

Kolawole is one of over 40 golfers who qualified to join the association. He plays at the Sunday Kelvin Aneke Golf Club in Shasha, Lagos. He said becoming a member of PGAN is a dream come true after five years of hard work.

"I’ve been working to become a member of PGAN for five years now, but I kept failing. God made this year special for me by making it possible," he shared.

This was Kolawole’s fourth attempt at the qualifying exam. He thanked the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, for giving candidates enough time to prepare for the tests.

"I appreciate the Chief of Air Staff for releasing us for the qualifying school. They gave us time to practice and study very well before the exams, and this is why we were able to pass," he said.

He also thanked the Nigerian Air Force Director of Sports, Group Captain Ademide Adeyeye, for supporting sports instructors, especially those who are specialists.

Kolawole believes his new status will help him develop golf further. He plans to train younger players and run a golf shop.

"This certification will also enable me to give back to the game. Now I can help train and groom younger players for the future," he said.

Inspired by Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy, Kolawole wants to reach the highest level in golf.

"As a professional golfer now, I want to emulate my role model, Rory McIlroy. I hope to become the best in Nigeria and Africa. I’m so elated to get to this level," he added.

Two other golfers who also qualified from the Sunday Kelvin Aneke Golf Club are Flight Sergeant Simon Achi and Adedokun James.

Other golfers who passed include Pro Saheed Badmus and Akorede Iyanuoluwa from Ibadan Golf Club, and Anthony Friday from Ikoyi Golf Club.

The new professionals are expected to help grow golf in Nigeria through coaching and competitions.

Meanwhile, the Sunday Kelvin Aneke Golf Club will hold a special event on Saturday, October 24, 2026, to celebrate the three new professionals. Members of the club and other golfers are invited to join the celebration.