Abuja: The President of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Olusegun Runsewe, has launched an innovative online-based golf training program, marking a significant advancement in golf development within the country. This initiative is the first of its kind in Africa and aims to elevate Nigerian golf to international standards.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the online training program represents a dream come true for Runsewe, who expressed his delight at the realization of this concept. He has previously organized digital golf training sessions for Nigerian professionals at the Golf and Health Signature, Abuja, to enhance their skills and prepare them for global competitions. Five professionals-Elisha Markus, Aminu Baba, Musa Ayuba, Sharon Wesley, and Daniel Pam-have been selected to lead the pilot program, where they will learn international best practices.
Runsewe recounted his journey toward this innovation, which began with a realization that Nigerian golfing was too localized. His interactions with
South African professionals highlighted a gap in IT-based golf training in Nigeria. This motivated him to facilitate international training for two Nigerian pros in Botswana, which proved beneficial upon their return.
The high costs of international training prompted Runsewe to invite Botswana’s resident pro, Kelosiwaag Mpoh, to Nigeria at a reduced cost, exposing 15 Nigerian professionals to modern training techniques. However, Runsewe recently discovered the potential of online training as a cost-effective alternative, aligning with current internet and communication technologies.
Runsewe emphasized the importance of starting this online training innovation in Nigeria, partnering with a leading production company to train five professionals in four strategic areas of golf: long drive, bunker shots, chipping, and putting. He noted the necessity of bunker shot training, often perceived as challenging by Nigerian golfers, to demonstrate its manageability with practice.
The pilot online training program has
already generated significant interest, with many requesting video access despite short notice. Runsewe is proud of this new concept, which mirrors global practices where many professionals provide similar online training.
This initiative is expected to benefit not only individual golfers but also contribute to grassroots development, enabling schools to use these videos for instructional purposes. Runsewe stressed the importance of early golf training, aligning with international standards, and highlighted the benefits for busy executives who can now train conveniently during work breaks.
This online program marks a starting point for further video content, offering Nigerian professionals greater exposure and opportunities to refine their skills. Runsewe is optimistic about the future of golf training in Nigeria, expecting more professionals to embrace online platforms for training and development.