Nigeria is still lagging behind in Africa in the game of golf because of the dearth of accessible infrastructure and perception that the game is strictly for the elites.
This was the opinions of golfers on the sidelines of the just concluded Port Harcourt club 1928 Amateur Open Golf Championship.The Golfers also appealed for increased attention to other sports other than ball games.
The game of golf has over the years developed into a money spinning sport in other climes, due to abundant accessible sporting infrastructure, regular competitions and sponsorship but in Nigeria the reverse is the case, hence the call by golfers for more golf facilities in the country to further popularise the game.
They harped on the need for government’s direct involvement so as to encourage multinationals to sponsor major competitions, which inturn will add to the GDP of the nation.
Emma Wike and Chinomso Orojaka are port Harcourt golfers, they urged the relevant stakeholders to champion Academy programmes so as to prepare future podium performers early.
They expressed optimism that Nigeria will become a power house in golf on the continent in another five years because of the available potentials in the country.
(Editor: Ena Agbanoma)
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