From journalism, the National Orientation Agency, to heading national tourism and cultural institutions, and now the President, Nigeria Golf Federation [NGF], Lucky Onoriode George, Publisher of African Travel Times, engages Otunba Segun Runsewe, who shares insights on his renewed mandate and his expectations for golf development in Nigeria. Excerpts:
How did you become the President, Nigeria Golf Federation [NGF]?
Thank you for asking. To be honest, my emergence was born out of passion for the game. Nigeria has many golf courses, and I also have my personal course, which shows my genuine interest.
Succinctly put, golf reflects my commitment to health and wellness, it is the first of its kind in West Africa. As to how I became the President, Nigeria Golf Federation [NGF], stakeholders needed someone who could drive development within the sector. My colleagues from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory elected me unopposed, and I was recently re-elected in the same manner.
So far, I have been able to build networks for the promotion of golf nationally and internationally. Recently, a group in Scotland donated equipment to encourage youth participation in Nigeria. This will help nurture young talents who may eventually reach global tours. Nothing about my involvement is accidental; it is rooted in dedication and commitment.
Many believe golf is a game for the wealthy due to the cost of equipment and course membership. Won’t this hinder your efforts?
Not at all. That belief is outdated. Today, the gap has narrowed significantly. For instance, people use iron studs, rubber studs and fibre studs, just like children start football with canvas shoes. You buy what you can afford; the same applies to golf.
Equipment now comes at various price points depending on brand, just like cars. In golf, we have soft, hard and super-hard balls; the choice depends on experience and professionalism. I don’t know anyone in West Africa who owns a Rolls-Royce golf cart, but I do. It is simply a matter of preference and affordability.
For your information, I introduced tie-and-dye materials for golf wear, which are very affordable. I am promoting them nationwide as my brand. Some African countries are already requesting them. At the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club, members are now encouraged to wear local fabrics. I also have my course; the Otunba Segun Runsewe Course [OSRC], registered and patented globally because of my passion.
Looking ahead, there is considerable potential in golf, and we are partnering with organisations to supply equipment at affordable rates across Nigeria.
How extensive and engaging is golf across Nigeria?
There are not fewer than 50 kitties across the country. These operate like regular league matches for golfers.
Given your background in tourism, how are you positioning golf as a tool for sport tourism?
Golfers are the biggest tourists in the world. A few months ago, two teams from abroad came to play kitty matches with their Nigerian counterparts. Do you know that golfers generally do not pay for their kits on airlines? That shows the influence and global respect for the sport. Unfortunately, some have abused this privilege recently by packing personal items in golf bags.
Golf is also the easiest way to make new friends, at motor parks, airports, or any gathering.
What is the level of golf awareness in Nigeria?
The challenge is not unique to Nigeria; it is similar across Africa, except South Africa. Because many people pick up the sport late, youth development will be my main focus in my second term. Like other sports, golf requires stamina and energy, which is best developed from an early age. Those playing for leisure or fitness can start even at 30 and still enjoy it.
For one to enjoy or excel in the game, what fundamentals must be mastered?
A player must understand core foundations:
Foundational Mechanics
- Grip: Properly holding the club ensures control and consistency.
- Stance & Posture: Essential for balance, power and alignment.
- Ball Position: Determines solid contact for different shots.
The Golf Swing
- Backswing: Sets the club on the correct path.
- Downswing: Generates and transfers’ power.
- Impact: Determines direction, spin and power.
- Follow-through: Ensures balance and smooth release.
- Swing Path: Influences flight and curve.
- Clubface Control: Affects accuracy and direction.
Shot Execution
- Driving: Distance and accuracy.
- Iron Play: Precision for approach shots.
- Putting: Stroke, pace and green reading.
- Chipping/Pitching: Delicate short-game control.
Broader Technical Areas
- Equipment Optimisation: Choosing clubs and balls suited to skill and physique.
- Physical Fitness: Core strength, flexibility and endurance.
Like every sport, improvement comes with practice and increasing technical proficiency. Golf enhances mental health, you forget worries once on the course. It also instils discipline and sportsmanship because you cannot win all the time.
How many professional golfers are in Nigeria?
At the moment, we have more than 2,000. Our professional body is recognised and headquartered in Port Harcourt, and examinations are conducted annually. Golf is one of the cleanest sports in the world and one of the most disciplined. It moulds leaders, not just entertainers.
What is the level of women’s participation, and are they part of your association?
There is only one governing body for golf in Nigeria. Women are fully part of it. However, some who obtained certificates abroad behave as if they are exempt from local structures. Every foreign qualification, law, medicine, architecture, pharmacy—requires local recertification; sport is no exception. Those who do not align with the constituted body cannot join our league or our kitties.
Apart from youth development, what are your other priorities?
I have more than ten ideas, but pursuing all simultaneously would hinder success. I will focus on a few achievable ones. Youth development remains central, alongside efforts to bring affordable golfing materials to Nigeria.
There is a new brand in the United States, the Tomorrow Golf League [TGL], spearheaded by sports executive Mike McCarley and professional golfers Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in partnership with the PGA Tour. It is a modern, high-tech league aimed at making golf faster and more appealing to younger audiences. If it succeeds globally, Nigeria will be among the first in Africa to tap into it. I have already initiated contact.
Any message for Nigerians?
Golf is a healing sport. If you take an angry person to play, by the end of 18 holes, he or she will be emotionally lighter, having released tension and negative energy.
During Nigeria’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting [CHOGM], I was privileged to serve on the committee. Out of the 60 leaders who attended, 33 were golfers. They all told President Olusegun Obasanjo they wanted to play golf, none requested other sports. That experience changed my life.
A golfer entering any new environment will ask: Where is the nearest golf course? Once that need is met, the person is happy. What better way to promote a country’s image?
I have submitted a proposal to revive the President’s Cup, played globally. We can reintroduce it here, alongside the Nigeria Open and the Nigeria Close. With a Nigeria Open today, at least 15 countries would participate. I am grateful that my journey cuts across journalism, tourism, culture and now golf. I cannot ask for more.
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