Lady golfers in Enugu State have called on women across the country to embrace golf, describing the sport as a therapeutic activity that promotes physical fitness, mental wellness and discipline.

They made the call on Tuesday during the 2026 International Women’s Golf Day (WGD) celebration held at the Enugu Golf Club, Enugu.

WGD 2026 is being celebrated globally from May 26 to June 2, 2026, with the official Women’s Golf Day event taking place on Tuesday, June 2.

The Vice Lady Captain, Ladies Section of the Enugu Golf Club, Justice Nnenna Madu, said the annual global event was aimed at encouraging more women to participate in the game.

Ms Madu said, “Golf offers enormous benefits, including physical exercise, mental concentration, social interaction and character development.

“We are using this opportunity to promote golf and encourage more women to become part of the golfing community and enjoy the benefits of the game. Golf exercises both the mind and body. It requires total concentration and presence. Your eyes and mind must be focused on the ball and your game.

“It is also a game that promotes integrity because players are expected to keep accurate scores and play honestly. It helps to build morality, social skills and discipline.”

According to her, golf also provides therapeutic escape from daily pressures.

“My advice to Nigerian women is to golf more. It is almost therapeutic because while playing, you forget every worry and focus entirely on the game. It is fun, competitive and rewarding,” she added.

The lady captain explained that the event featured a nine-hole competition, with prizes presented to outstanding players based on their performance.

She said schoolchildren were invited to the celebration as part of efforts to introduce the sport to younger generations and inspire future golfers.

In her remarks, the chairperson of the event, Ogugua Nwankuru, described golf as a sport that promotes discipline, wellness, friendship and commitment.

She said the 2026 Women’s Golf Day theme celebrated women and highlighted the importance of unity and camaraderie among female golfers.

Ms Nwankuru commended sponsors, organisers, past and present lady captains, as well as male golfers who supported the event.

She encouraged younger women and girls to take up the sport, noting that it was never too late to start playing golf.

A lady golfer, Ada Ikeyi, described members of the ladies section of the Enugu Golf Club as changemakers in society.

According to her, golf instills confidence, integrity, discipline and leadership qualities that transcend the golf course into families, workplaces and communities.

Ms Ikeyi acknowledged that many women still face challenges accessing the sport but noted that efforts were being made to encourage greater participation.

On his part, Michael Ojelabi of Bloomsville Academy, Enugu, said the school’s participation exposed students to a sport they rarely encounter, stressing that about 23 students benefitted from the event.

He said, “Most children are familiar with football and tennis, but not golf, and coming here to watch and learn about golf will be a valuable experience for them and broaden their understanding of sports.”

Highlights of the celebration included a ceremonial tee-off, golf competition, presentation of prizes to winners, dancing and other social activities.

(NAN)