Nigeria Open Golf Tournament Returns in 2027 After 28 Years

The Nigeria Open Golf Tournament will return in November 2027 after a 28-year absence, the Nigeria Golf Federation has announced.

The tournament is scheduled to hold from November 16 to 20, 2027, marking the return of one of Nigeria’s longest-running professional golf competitions.

President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, disclosed the development in Abuja, saying the federation had spent considerable time preparing for the tournament and repositioning Nigerian golf to meet international standards.

The Nigerian Open was established in 1969 and was held regularly until 1999. The tournament was mainly staged at the Ikoyi Club in Lagos before its final editions were moved to the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja between 1997 and 1999.

Runsewe said the federation’s preparations for the 2027 edition included strengthening its digital presence, introducing insurance policies and adopting the World Handicap System index.

He explained that the handicap system would provide a common framework for golf clubs across the country and support efforts to bring Nigerian golf closer to international standards.

The federation is also working towards attracting international participation, with more than 20 countries from Africa, Europe and other regions expected to take part in the tournament.

Between 150 and 200 golfers are expected to compete in the event.

The NGF is currently in discussions with Lakowe Golf Resort in Lagos as a possible venue for the tournament.

The planned competition is expected to feature a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am format, with world ranking status and an Amateur World Ranking connection. Winners are also expected to have opportunities to qualify for international golf circuits.

The federation said it was engaging consultancy and marketing firms to strengthen sponsorship, branding and promotion ahead of the tournament.

Runsewe described the planned return as a new chapter for golf in Nigeria and said the federation deliberately took time to establish the structures needed to sustain the competition.

The return of the Nigeria Open is expected to provide a major platform for Nigerian golfers and attract international professionals to the country.