The Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) has fixed November 16 to 20, 2027, for the return of the tournament, which was last staged in 1999.
NGF President, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, announced the development during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Saturday.
According to Runsewe, the federation has been working on several areas to ensure the tournament returns on a stronger footing and meets international 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 was first held in 1969 and continued until 1999, with the Ikoyi Club in Lagos serving as its main venue for much of that period.
The competition was later moved to the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja, which hosted its final editions from 1997 to 1999.
Runsewe said preparations for the 2027 edition include improving the federation’s digital presence through a new social media strategy and website, as well as introducing insurance policies and adopting the World Handicap System index.
He explained that the handicap system would establish a standard method for determining players’ handicaps across golf clubs in Nigeria and help bring the country’s golfing system closer to international practice.
“This is going to be a new beginning for golf in Nigeria,” he said.
The federation expects the tournament to attract golfers from more than 20 countries across Africa, Europe and other parts of the world. Between 150 and 200 players are also expected to participate.
Runsewe disclosed that discussions were ongoing with Lakowe Golf Resort in Lagos over the possibility of hosting the tournament.
The event is expected to feature a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am competition, with world ranking status and an Amateur World Ranking connection.
According to the NGF president, the tournament will also provide winners with pathways towards qualifying for international golf circuits, while a competitive prize purse is expected to help draw professional players.
He added that consultancy and marketing firms had been brought on board to oversee areas including sponsorship, branding and publicity. The companies selected for the assignments are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Runsewe explained that the federation intentionally took time before bringing back the competition to ensure it had the necessary structures and capacity to deliver an event capable of being sustained.
“Why rush into what you don’t have the capacity to deliver?” he said.
He further stated that developing young golfers would be a key part of the federation’s plans, both through the Nigerian Open and its broader programmes.
The NGF is also preparing a coaching education programme aimed at golf professionals and academy coaches.
Runsewe said the programme was necessary because modern golf training is increasingly dependent on technology and digital tools.
“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.
NAN
