{
  "id": 10333464,
  "title": "Runsewe Excited as Nigerian Open Golf Returns After Two Decades",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/runsewe-excited-as-nigerian-open-golf-returns-after-two-decades",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-28T01:08:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/09/28/runsewe-excited-as-nigerian-open-golf-returns-after-two-decades/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) has announced the rescheduling of the prestigious Nigeria Open Golf Tournament, which had not been held in Nigeria since 1999. The event will take place from November 16 to November 20, 2027, marking a significant milestone in the country's golfing history. NGF President, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, expressed great enthusiasm about the tournament's return and emphasized the federation's commitment to elevating golf standards in Nigeria.\n\nRunsewe revealed that the NGF has been diligently preparing for the tournament, with a focus on rebranding and establishing systems that meet international standards. This includes a comprehensive social media strategy, an updated website, appropriate insurance policies, and the implementation of the World Handicap System (WHS). The WHS initiative is crucial, as it will ensure that golf clubs across Nigeria adopt a common system, positioning the sport on the global stage.\n\nThe NGF is anticipating participation from over 20 African, European, and other international countries, signaling a remarkable opportunity for golfers from diverse backgrounds to showcase their skills on the Nigerian golfing scene. Runsewe highlighted that the tournament would be a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am event with World Ranking status and a connection to the Amateur World Ranking. This prestigious status will allow winners to qualify for international circuits and provides a competitive prize purse to attract more professional golfers.\n\nTo ensure the success of the tournament, Runsewe disclosed that the NGF has engaged consultancy and marketing firms to drive sponsorship, branding, and promotion efforts. The successful firms will be announced in the coming weeks. Runsewe also emphasized the importance of prioritizing youth development, addressing the longstanding gap between younger and older generations of golfers. Under his leadership, the NGF will initiate a coaching education program for professionals and golf academy coaches, focusing on technology-driven training to keep pace with global advancements in the sport.\n\nRunsewe expressed gratitude to stakeholders and practitioners who have supported the federation's efforts to reposition golf in Nigeria. He assured that this new beginning will set a new chapter for golf in Nigeria and across Africa, igniting a renewed passion for the sport and inspiring future generations of golfers.",
  "summary": "The Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) has scheduled the Nigeria Open Golf Tournament for November 16 to November 20, 2027, marking the return of the country’s biggest golf event after two",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}