Agenda for Oyinlola, new NGF boss
The game of golf recorded a plus yesterday with the coming on board of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as the new President of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF).
Oyinlola, a two-time former Governor of Osun State is a big player in the game of golf. Over years, even while serving as a Military Administrator of Lagos, Oyinlola has always been at the fore-front when notable names inch forward to develop the game of golf in Nigeria. He indeed proved this when he single-handedly turned the MICCOM course at Ada to a Mecca of sort when he used his influence as Governor of Osun State to attract several tourneys to the course.
Jovial and always out to crack on course jokes, Oyinlola for years has been hunting for a foremost position to rule golf in Nigeria. Even as President of a concessioned NGF to Otunba Olusola Adekanola’s CMCL, Oyinlola made smart moves of aligning Amateur golf with that of the Professionals just to uplift the game. The scope is broader now and no doubt, much will be expected from ‘Lagun’.
At once, Oyinlola must hit the ground running. He must before anything, revive the Golf Union of Nigeria [GUN]. This body which is made up of Captains of Golf Clubs across the nation was at a time acting as a buffer for amateur golfers across the country. This body was promoting ethics of the game and in total camaraderie among clubs through constant Match Plays among clubs. But the body just fizzled out and Clubs no longer act in unison nor maintain ethics of the game. The demise of this union indeed led to a certain waywardness among golfers across clubs in the country. This body could be helpful if the game must be properly developed in Nigeria. Oyinlola must revive it.
Even in Togo, there is a public course. It is a shame that after years of golf revolution in this country, Nigeria is yet to put one public course on ground. All you see are membership clubs with boisterous ‘Members Only’ tag adorning their gates. Let’s face it, how will talented youths who want develop their skills play the game if they are not fortunate to have parents who are members of golf clubs. This must be challenged. Oyinlola must strive to put in place at least a public course in each of the six geo political regions of the country. A public course doesn’t have to be a straight 18 holes. It could be six holes with an appreciating Range. We have several teaching pros who are almost out of jobs. These fellows could be hired and placed, three each, at each of the regions. Children of the poor, who are in the majority, could have unfettered access to these courses with available equipment to train with. Put this in place and see if Nigeria won’t produce lads who could be gunning for Olympics medals in about a year.
Some years back, golfers in Nigeria were always lurking to be part of the President Cup, which is annual tourney staged for any sitting President. All of a sudden, and like most good things in Nigeria, this tourney soon vanished from the radar. Even though the tourney used to be a prime annual event of the NGF, nobody offered any reason why it was shelved. Oyinlola hosted it once while serving as Osun Governor. Now that he is back in power, this event should be on the front burner, especially when this could serve as a hope raiser for President Muhammadu Buhari.
More to still talk about. But let Oyinlola handle those three issues on the agenda and watch if he won’t make an instant success.