Golf stakeholders say Nigeria Golf Federation president Olusegun Runsewe is giving golf a new identity in Africa through strategic investment and innovation.

Some golf enthusiasts who spoke on Friday noted that Mr Runsewe’s initiatives have attracted investment, positioning Nigeria as a regional hub with the Golf and Health Signature, West Africa’s only indoor digital golf facility.

They described the Abuja-based facility as a game-changer, blending technology, health, training, and youth development under one roof.

South Africa’s top golf teacher, Mpoh Kelosiwaag, described Mr Runsewe as “a rare blessing”, after touring the hi-tech facilities at the Golf and Health Signature.

Mr Kelosiwaag, also a member of the Botswana Professional Golf Association, said the centre marked Nigeria’s most significant golf breakthrough since the 1970s, when overseas training of local professionals began.

According to him, the facility opens up electronic golf training to Nigerian professionals and accelerates their journey to global competitive stages.

He urged Nigeria to diversify sports investment beyond football, describing golf as a high-impact, medal-yielding sport.

Members of the African Golf Network also corroborated Kelosiwaag’s views on Nigeria’s rising profile.

Philip Bobar said the Abuja facility had repositioned Nigeria as Africa’s new golf training destination.

“This centre changes perception. Africa now looks to Nigeria for elite golf preparation and innovation,” Mr Bobar said.

Tijanni Aliyu said Runsewe’s approach combined vision with sustainability.

“He didn’t just build a facility; he built a system that supports youth, professionals, and international partnerships,” Mr Aliyu said.

Ashante Biate described the project as transformational for African golf development, saying, “This is not imitation. Nigeria is setting the pace, and others will follow.”

Oyinade Nathan-Marsh, NGF’s Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, said the federation was leveraging the facility to attract corporate partnerships.

“We are in advanced talks with over 10 high-profile companies to expand golf development nationwide,” Ms Nathan-Marsh said.

She added that the facility had boosted confidence among investors seeking structured sports development platforms.

Mr Runsewe described the Golf and Health Signature as “the pride of Africa residing in Abuja.”

“This facility was born out of necessity, vision, and belief that Nigeria can lead golf development in Africa,” he said.

(NAN)