Nigeria Golf Federation President, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has emphasized the importance of increasing women’s participation in golf, highlighting its benefits for physical and mental well-being.
This call to action follows the remarkable achievement of Maryann Philip-Shaibu, who was crowned “Queen of the Green” for the 2024/2025 season after winning the Benin Club Golf ladies tournament for the second consecutive year. Philip-Shaibu’s historic back-to-back victories mark her as the first person in Benin Club Golf’s history to achieve this feat, making her a beacon for aspiring female golfers.
Runsewe’s advocacy is part of a broader strategy by the NGF to promote inclusivity and diversity in golf. The federation aims to introduce golf to young girls and women at the grassroots level, providing them with training and coaching opportunities.
This initiative aligns with global trends, where women’s golf has seen significant growth, with initiatives like Topgolf and golf simulators attracting new players. In the United States, for instance, the number of women and girls playing golf has increased by 23% since 2018, a trend that Nigeria hopes to replicate.
Philip-Shaibu’s achievement is seen as a catalyst to encourage more women to take up golf, inspiring young golfers and promoting greater inclusivity in the sport. Her success also underscores the importance of men supporting their wives’ participation in golf, as highlighted by Runsewe’s praise for Philip Shuaibu’s support of his wife’s golfing career.
The NGF’s efforts are part of a broader national push for women’s empowerment, as seen in events like the IBB Ladies Amateur Golf Open, which attracts hundreds of female golfers from across Africa and supports women’s participation in sports and beyond.
