Mimiko: I recommend golf for all in leadership positions

According to the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, golf is erroneously emblematized as an agent for the bourgeoisie and a highly expensive sport. But the ebullient Governor who interestingly is a golf addict believes there are more innate benefits inherent in the game of golf than ones imagination can fathom.

“I am personally convinced that golf is a receipt for good leadership”, the Governor says. “This may sound Greek to many, but wait a minute. The reason is not that most golfers are leaders in the society, but there is value characteristics intricately submerged in this noble sport that every individual and indeed, every nation must cotton on to for a better society.

“But let’s look at this way. The very root of good leadership is your conscience: that tiny part of your mind that allows you to examine your action, in the light of good or bad. So a game that gives no room for cheating, to state the obvious, is a character builder. Any attempt to cheat in the game of golf, pitches one on the side as a taboo amongst conscientious golfers.

“Basically as a golfer, you must always be conscious of yourself, because at each point in time you’re closely watched. Of course, appropriate records are kept and there is the time of reckoning and you know what that means. The fact is simply that as a golfer you’re a disciplined person and it’s this quality that first of all gives you a position as a golfer”.

Mimiko equally mentioned that golf is a game of concentration and it is only a sane mind that can concentrate.

“Concentration is that art of summoning the whole sole inner spirit, particularly in order to perform a difficult task,” the governor said.

“The ability to concentrate is the inspirational push you need to perform as a golfer. The art of concentration demands discipline and total commitment and these are basic requirements for those of us who aspire to manage men and material. Concentration as an intellectual quality involves articulation, purposefulness, dexterity, determination and insistency, concentration is not in a hurry. As a golfer, you’re a good communicator. This is because to do well as a golfer involves that you possesses that ability to link up your sensibilities to the entire process, any distraction spells failure for you.

Playing golf is simply a leadership process. All the characteristics of these two areas: golf and leadership are intertwined. It’s therefore not surprising that most people I know who are doing quite well in leadership positions are indeed golfers. My thinking is that anybody who calls himself a leader must learn to play golf. There’s this lyrical and semantic power that resonates with the game of golf which must be accepted to golfers once you’re undergoing leadership training. Thus, while the game tasks the visible burden of leadership off your shoulder as a recreation, you’re psychologically undergoing a rite of cleaning that imbibes and reenacts leadership ideals in your system”.

The Governor concludes that the concept of golf and the lesson of the game have been tremendous assistance to him since he ventured into public service and leadership positions over the past 25 years. Hear him: “As a governor, I find the lessons of golf very rewarding and useful. I recommend golf for all those who are in leadership positions as well as those who aspire for leadership in our society as it is common with the western democracies. it may not be a coincidence that virtually all American Presidents play golf. So let us embrace this time honoured game of discipline, integrity, consideration for others, physical and mental well-being and leadership training.