The Nigeria Open Golf Tournament is coming back in November 2027 after being gone for 28 years. The Nigeria Golf Federation announced this news recently.
The tournament last took place in 1999. It is scheduled for November 16 to 20, 2027.
Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, who is the president of the Nigeria Golf Federation, shared this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Saturday.
Runsewe mentioned that the federation has worked hard to prepare for the tournament. This is part of their plan to improve Nigerian golf and meet 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," he said.
The Nigerian Open took place from 1969 to 1999. It was mainly held at the Ikoyi Club in Lagos. The final editions were hosted at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja from 1997 to 1999.
Runsewe said the federation's preparations include a new social media strategy, a website, insurance policies, and using the World Handicap System index.
He explained that this handicap system will help create a common standard for golf clubs across Nigeria and assist in internationalising the sport.
"This is going to be a new beginning for golf in Nigeria," he said.
Runsewe also said that more than 20 countries from Africa, Europe, and other regions are expected to take part in the 2027 tournament. They expect between 150 and 200 golfers to compete.
He revealed that the NGF is in talks with Lakowe Golf Resort in Lagos as a possible venue for the event.
The tournament is planned as a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am event. It will have world ranking status and an Amateur World Ranking connection.
Winners will get chances to qualify for international circuits. There will also be a competitive prize purse to draw in professional golfers.
Runsewe mentioned that the federation has brought in consultancy and marketing companies for sponsorship, branding, and promotion of the tournament. They expect to announce the chosen firms in a few weeks.
He said they intentionally delayed the tournament's return to ensure they have the capacity to run a successful event.
"Why rush into what you don’t have the capacity to deliver?" he said.
Runsewe added that youth development will be a key focus for the tournament and the federation’s broader plans for golf.
He also announced plans for a coaching education program for golf professionals and academy coaches. He noted that training has become more technology-driven.
"Training in golf is more IT-based now as the world is advancing and we don’t want Nigeria to be left behind," he said.
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