Coach Urges Enthusiasts To Initiate Golf Programmes

Worried by the fact that
golf, a sport perceived to be “elitist’’ is not growing in the country, coach Nnamdi Chukwuka, says instituting enduring programmes will uplift the game.
Chukwuka, a Lagos-based golf coach told newsmen on Thursday that such would engender a culture of the game among the youth.
He said that such sustainable programmes would also encourage participation in the sport at the grassroots.
Chukwuka said that the few grassroots programmes created to develop golf had not been effectively promoted to the benefit of the sport.
According to him, the essence of such programmes is to build a culture that will not only make the sport accessible to everyone but create global opportunities for youths.
“Golfing in Nigeria has suffered lack of control and organisation even with the presence of the Nigerian Golf Federation.
“The federation is yet to find its feet to create valid platforms that can sustain the sport as well as outlive the incumbent federation’s leadership.
“In other parts of the world, grassroots golfers are given all the support needed to become pros because amateur golf is far more controlled to motivate youngsters.
“If we don’t proffer solutions, these problems will be persistent in golf, especially in Nigeria where the elite have control over the federation,’’ he said.
The coach said that golfing in Nigeria was still seen as an elite sport which was not meant for underprivileged people.
“Elites in the sport in Nigeria most times do not allow new breeds to have access to the sport thereby depriving them of the opportunities that come along with it.
“Few golf programmes started four years ago that concentrated on grooming green horns and have produced graduates that play in foreign tournaments.
“But these people are still young and far removed from the elite class,’’ he said.
He added that the country lacked clubs that could lead the way in creating a new generation of golfers that could make global impact.