Tell us more about yourself and how you got involved with golf?
My name is Olusegun Deji and I got involved with golf around the summer of 1989 in New York City when a Co-worker at Villeroy & Boch the company I worked for then invited me to a game and from then I got hooked.
You were in America for many years, so did you continue to play after that?
Yes, I immediately went to a public golf course in the Bronx (van Courtland Park) to register with a pro for training. It took about ten sessions on the Range to be able to play on the main Course. And I’m glad I did because I have a deep love for the sport.
What are the differences between golf in Nigeria and America and Europe which you have both experienced?
I notice there are no public courses and golf ranges over here. Even commercial golf ranges are non-existent here not forgetting America’s immense sense of organization and maintenance culture which are lacking in some aspects over her.
Why do you think Zuma is the best around after IBB Golf club?
IBB Golf Club has been around for a long time while Zuma recently emerged, but one thing is certain, Zuma is currently being developed to be the number one tourist attraction in Nigeria right now. It will be great advantage to be part of it right now for aspiring members.
Where do you see Zuma in the next ten years?
The Zuma Golf Club in the next 10 years will be an abode for international golfers, it will favorably host competitions that will be internationally acceptable, it will be a tourist destination for both golfers and non-golfers alike.
The club is a unique golf club that has got all the unique properties of a golf course, it is a golf course that has all the natural features of a golf course arena, the uniqueness of the Zuma rock around the area, the free flow of natural spring water across the course, the wildlife conservation, a place where natural animals such as guinea fowl would just like to stay, situated along a free flow dual carriageway of Abuja – Kaduna express way. Naturally conducive atmosphere, these are the numerous things that makes Zuma Rock Golf Club a place of intent.
How can the sport be improved in Nigeria and Africa at large considering the developed world sees golf in a different way?
To improve golf in Nigeria there is need to open many public parks and more commercial golf ranges. Doing that will allow ordinary people to get involved and also pick interest in the sport.
What can Nigeria do to participate in major world competitions and the next Olympics golf in Tokyo 2020?
In my opinion, the developed world do not only see golf in a special way. Nigerians look at the sport as an elitist game. This is far from the truth. Golf shapes people both intellectually and physically. It is a game where you honesty and honour matters.
Our golfers need major sponsors to be able to participate in the next Olympics. We need to start grooming the players right now. There are young golfers that need grooming if we look around. Nigerian can compete with anyone if given the right opportunities.
How can the sport be improved in Nigeria and Africa at large considering the developed world sees golf in a different way?
To improve golf in Nigeria there is need to open many public parks and more commercial golf ranges. Doing that will allow ordinary people to get involved and also pick interest in the sport.
What can Nigeria do to participate in major world competitions and the next Olympics golf in Tokyo 2020?
In my opinion, the developed world do not only see golf in a special way. Nigerians look at the sport as an elitist game. This is far from the truth. Golf shapes people both intellectually and physically. It is a game where you honesty and honour matters.
Our golfers need major sponsors to be able to participate in the next Olympics. We need to start grooming the players right now.
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