Two Nigerian amateur golfers set for historic debut at 2025 Qatar open

For the first time in its 39-year history, the prestigious Qatar Open Golf Championship will feature two amateur golfers from Nigeria.

This milestone is the result of a recent golf competition organized by the High Performance Centre and Sports Leadership Hub (HPCSLH) of the Sports University of Nigeria, themed “Rebuilding Trust: Showcasing Talents.” The event took place in Doha, Qatar.

Dr. Bob Olukoya, Director of HPCSLH, explained that Nigerian golfers have been blacklisted by Qatari authorities since 2006 due to incidents where some players failed to honor competition invitations, instead absconding after arrival despite being granted visas and travel support.

However, recent sporting diplomacy led by Dr. Olukoya has opened the door for Nigerian golfers to reclaim their place on the international stage.

“We are gradually changing the narratives,” Dr. Olukoya said, expressing optimism about the opportunities this development brings for Nigerian amateur golfers.

The two slots for the 2025 Qatar Open will be awarded to the top two finishers at a qualifying tournament scheduled to take place in Nigeria from January 24-26, 2025, at a venue yet to be announced. The competition will feature amateur golfers from Nigeria and the diaspora, with selection based purely on merit.

The Qatar Open, which enforces a handicap limit of 9, offers significant rewards, including automatic qualification for the next Qatar Masters—part of the DP World Tour—for the winner. Golfers who place between second and 10th will also receive various prizes.

Dr. Olukoya remains confident that, with fair selection, Nigerian amateur golfers have the potential to compete at the highest level and secure victories in such prestigious events.

As a result, Nigerian amateur golfers will receive the recognition they deserve based on their talents and performances.

According to Mr Olajide Bolaji, technical director of the Nigeria Golf Federation and the secretary of the Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria (PGAN), “this is awesome and good news for the Nigerian golfing community. Nigerian golfers can dominate the world if provided with participatory opportunities. We are grateful to the Qatar Golf Association and Dr Bob Olukoya for making this happen. We shall support whoever emerges to go all the way in Qatar”.

The January 2025 qualifiers will feature amateur golfers from the diaspora and golf clubs across Nigeria. The handicap limit for participants will be set at 9 to align with that of the Qatar Open.