Club Captain Seeks Media Partnership To Promote Golf In Nigeria
Alfred Ebreneyin, Captain of Ibori Golf and Country Club, Asaba on Saturday, called on journalists to help promote the game of Golf in Nigeria.
Ebreneyin made the call during a one-day Capacity Building on Golf Reporting for Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter at the Ibori Golf and Country Club, Asaba.
He said there was need to correct the erroneous impression that Golf was an elitists’ game which was why many people were averse to embracing the game.
He said in spite of the fact that Golf had been around in Nigeria for a long time, the game was yet to become a household sports because of lack of competition and poor awareness.
Ebreneyin also called on the private sector to invest in and sponsor Golf for the game to have activities and be brought close to the people.
He disclosed that the Club had a pool of no fewer than 100 children aged between three years and15 years, who were being groomed in clinic as part of efforts to entrench Golf in Nigeria.
On his part, Peter Adikpe, a professional Golfer, who lecture sports writers on the history and philosophy of the game said there was need for government to encourage the game.
Adikpe decried the dearth of Golf competitions in Nigeria based on calendar saying that the game was surviving on Charity Competition where stakeholders invite players to play for them on their birthdays.
He urged people to embrace Golf, saying that the equipment were affordable depending on one’s purse.
Adikpe said knowledgeable and regular reporting of Golf would help the growth and development of the game, adding that the media had great role to play in the course.
Tony Oji, Chairman of SWAN in Anambra said the Golf Tour to Asaba was part of the chapter’s efforts to boost the professional competence of members in coverage of all games.
Oji said a similar training was organised on Cricket in February, adding that more trainings will come to the way of SWAN members in Anambra with continued support of stakeholders.