Brief History of the PGA in Nigeria

Since the colonials were believed to have imported golf into Nigeria, the history of the game in Nigeria dates back to the early 20th century. Although its not clear where the game was first played in Nigeria, there are strong indications that the credit should go to either Lagos or Calabar.

The now grand old man of Nigerian politics, Chief Anthony Enahoro, is believed to be one of the first Nigerians ever to take up golf. In 1955, as a Minister in the then Western Regional Government he visited the United Kingdom and there got attracted to the game and to his first six lessons on the game at the famous Simpson's Pro Shop in London. He also played his first round of golf.

The interest of Chief Enahoro in the game, inspired many other Nigerians to follow his steps. He also helped to establish the professional circuit. He convinced the Nigerian Tobacco Company (NTC) to sponsor four caddies (Jamiu Oyebajo, Patrick Okpomu, Emmanuel Lawrence and Festus Majekodunmi) who were outstanding in their first all caddies tournamnet played at Ikoyi Club 1938.

From four professionals in 1969 there are now 123 golf professionals in Nigeria. And from the lone golf cours of the Lagos Golf Club there are over 50 golf courses spread acrosss the country now, the first 18-hole green being the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

The Nigerian circuit is a busy one with several local golf championships taking place all year round.

PGA Nigeria Tour: Re-Branding Professional Golf

Its comming was not foretold, yet it was the missing link that everybody (stakeholders and players) seemed to have been waiting for. However their is no mistaking the origin of the PGA Nigeria Tour. It is the brainchild of the PGAN executive committee and current director of the body, Jamiu Oyebajo offered a clearer picture.

For golf followers, the birth of Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria Tour (PGA Nigeria Tour) on April 1, 2006 signifies the re-birth of golf in Nigeria. The PGA Nigeria Tour has its office located in the tranquil Ikeja GRA in Lagos state and employed a Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olusola Lawson assisted by dynamic staff team to run its daily affairs.