Unveiling Olashore’s plan for golf in Nigeria

Nigeria will soon be getting a world class golf course as a first of its kind golf course is soon to be sighted in Osun state, close to the renowned Olashore International School.

To increase interest in golf to other parts of the country and make Nigeria a potential golf destination, the Olashores family and the Royal Park Hotel are planning the golf course in Osun state.

Located at illoko-ijesha, Osun State, the 18 hole Golf Course is 6km long, with 9 holes located on 3km each, situated on 35 hectares of land (area), on about 6 to 6.5km walking distance. It also has Par 3s holes which is 310m long, Par 4s holes which is 350m long, and Par 5s holes which is 500m long.

Speaking at the formal advance presentation of the course recently, the Chairman Board of Governors, Olashore International School and the Royal Park Hotel, Prince Abimbola Olashore, stated that “Our goal is to make illoko-ijesha,  Osun State a golf tourism destination.

From illoko here, within one hour drive, are various tourist attractions, we have the Osun group, Kogosi wolf space, ijesha water-fall, UNESCO heritage, and so on. Illoko- the home of Olashore International School is strategically in the middle.”

To demonstrate their commitment and sense of purpose, a high powered Interim Committee was set to fast track the completion of the project and bring it to world-class standards. The Chairman of the Interim Golf Committee Prince Tayo Haastrup, stated that golf is relaxing and great for networking.

He said, “We thank God we are having the first of its kind golf course in illoko-ijesha. This will not only boost the interest in golf outside the big cities, but it also promotes leisure and overall well-being. This will be good eventually not only for the people of Osun state, but for the game of golf at large. “

The former Golf Captain, General Victor Odeka stated that most people at the inaugural meeting are from the area, and they have been longing for a golf course so that home coming residents, corporates, parents of Olashore School and tourists desiring a serene environment will find the proposed golf course in Osun state a major attraction as he pointed that golf is not for the rich alone, or old people.

On blending education, leisure and lifestyle, Prince Olashore reiterated that the trio is a continuum declaring “Lifestyle is a blend of what you do socially and family wise, while education is a life -long teaching that doesn’t stop. If you do sports in an education center, it means you are learning in an environment that promotes a very lifestyle.

He further poitned that golf is a social game for networking and character building.

“Though people see golf as expensive as a game player by the upper class, it teaches patience and peace of mind. And that is why we want to introduce it to our children at a tender age,” he stated.

In this light, the Principal of Olashore International School, Mr Derek Smith added that golf, aside from being intereting,  is a great sport for the children to learn stressign that on the game, one could learn self-control.

“Now that there’s going to be a Golf here now, everyone has the opportunity to learn lessons in the morning before school hours, in the evenings, and during weekends.

“In spite of the fact that we have competitions round the school, I think some of our students can partake in the competition.”

The interim committee members includes:  Prince Tayo Haastrup, Hon Gbenga Onigbogi, Chief Akin Akinola, Dr Akin Moses, Mr Seyi Onajide, Mr Kunle Ogunbufunmi, Mr Tunde Fagbenle, Mr Oluseyi Lufadeju, Mr Femi Feyide, Arc Ayo Onajide, and Prince Lekan Olashore.