By Victor Okoye

The President, Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Olusegun Runsewe has introduced a new dimension in golf development with the unveiling of an online-based golf training programme in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the online-based golf training programme is the first of its kind in Africa.

An elated Runsewe told NAN that he was happy that the concept which was once a dream had become a reality.

He noted that he had also organised other digital golf training for Nigerian golf professionals at the Golf and Health Signature, Abuja to ensure that Nigerian golf hit the world stage in no distant time.

He said that a total of five pros; Elisha Markus, Aminu Baba, Musa Ayuba, Sharon Wesley and Daniel Pam have been chosen to pilot the training programme, adding that they would be exposed to international best practices.

“This is a dream come true. Some few years ago, I realised that golfing here in the country was too local and there was a need to expose our people.

“In the process, I travelled to South Africa and met some pros. During our conversation, I realised that our pros here in the country are a bit far off with regards to IT based training of golf.

“Instantly, that year, I went to the Botswana Embassy and got visas for two Nigerian pros to travel to Botswana for some relevant golf training course. They went, came back and were very helpful to us.

“Afterwards, I realised that there was still a need to expose our pros more to the game. However, it was a bit difficult due to the high cost of having to bring some pros from abroad or taking our pros out of the country.

“I had to call on the resident pro in Botswana, Kelosiwaag Mpoh who agreed to come over to the country at a reduced cost. He came and gave about 15 Nigerian pros some exposure on the modern training techniques,” he said.

The NGF boss however, noted that he recently discovered that a golfer must not have to go on the course every time to take lessons.

He said he found out that sometimes, one can choose to do it online, especially in this modern world of internet technology and communication.

He explained that was what birthed the idea behind the training.

“I felt that this innovation should start from Nigeria and as of today, we have succeeded to bring in one of the biggest production companies in this regard.

“They will take five of our pros in four strategic basic areas of training in golf, i.e. hitting long drive, bunker shot, chips and putting.

“We have two pros on long drive training, and one each on bunker shot, chipping and putting.

“Bunker shot training became very necessary because most Nigerian golfers see the bunker as a very difficult part of the game, whereas if one practices it, you will find out that it is as easy as every other shot in the game.

“These five pros will kick start our pilot online training programme on golf. This is the very first time we are going into this and we are very proud and happy that we are starting from somewhere,” he said.

Runsewe said that a lot of people were already excited about the training and have started asking for the videos, even with the short notice.

He said he was very proud about the new concept, adding that the beauty of the training was its unique similarity with what obtains around the world, noting adding that most pros abroad run similar online trainings.

“One basic advantage of this is that, when the video goes viral, people can even call a specific pro to take them on specific trainings based on personal terms and agreement.

“So, it’s like opening a new window for online lessons and golf development in Nigeria.

“This can also go a long way, in terms of grassroots development of the game as a lot of our schools can take advantage of the opportunity by playing these videos to help teach the young ones,” he said.

He stressed that the reason why Nigeria does not do well in golf is because of late start, adding that it was extremely important to start early in line with international best practices.

Runsewe said the training would also go a long way in helping some business executives that rarely have time to go to the range to train with their pros.

“With this new innovation, they can take a 30 minutes break and go online to watch these training videos and practice while in the office.

“So, these are some of the reasons why we have to embark on these online training programme, to give Nigerians good lessons in golf and to also expose them to the best international practice.

“This is indeed a starting point and a lot of more videos on golf training will be coming up shortly. We have a lot of pros in Nigeria and they are very good, but lack exposure.

“So, with this, we will also have more of the pros coming online to gain more exposure,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh