Some sports enthusiasts in Abuja have called for the consolidation of golf’s future in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was the main thrust at the 16th edition of the IBB Junior Golf Open at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

No fewer than 146 children are participating in the 16th edition of the IBB Junior Golf Open, which is being organised by the IBB Ladies Golf Section.

The championship, which teed off on Thursday, will end on Sunday.

A cross-section of sports enthusiasts who spoke to NAN on the sidelines of the ceremonial tee-off on Friday, said there was a need to ensure that golf development at the grassroots was sustained.

Sunday Dare, the former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, said that holding the 16th edition of the grassroots competition and sustaining it for such a long time was very commendable.

‘It is such an important landmark. It is the 16th edition, which is very impressive. The key thing for me is ‘junior’ because I often say t
hat the gold is in the child.’

He called on other sporting federations in the country to borrow a leaf from what was being done at the IBB Golf Club and organise more grassroots competitions.

‘I think this is very important, and I am very supportive of this event. I hope several other sports in the country can organise junior, senior, amateur, and elite championships.’

Ibrahim Babayo, the Captain of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, said the championship was very dear to the club, adding that the young ones represented the future of the sport.

‘If we don’t develop these young talents, then there is no hope for the survival of the game in the country.’

Julie Donli, the Lady Captain of the Club, said the championship was one that involved children from all states of the federation, with no fewer than 146 kids participating.

‘This year, we are lucky to have children from nine states and the FCT participate in this championship.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria