Nigeria will soon get a world class golf course; a first of its kind soon to be sited in Osun State, close to the renowned Olashore International School.
The Olashore family and the Royal Park Hotel are planning the golf course to increase interest in the sport in the country and make Nigeria a golf destination.
Located at Illoko-Ijesha, the 18-hole Golf course is six kilometres long, with nine holes on three kilometres apart, situated on 35 hectares of land (area), on about 6.5 kilometres distance. It also has Par 3s holes (310 metres), Par 4s holes (350 metres), and Par 5s holes (500 metres).
Speaking at the formal advance presentation of the course last weekend, 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. Chairman of the Interim Golf Committee, Tayo Haastrup, stated that, “Golf is relaxing and great for networking. 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.”
According to a former golf captain, General Victor Odeka, “Most people at this inaugural meeting are from this 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 a major attraction. And golf is certainly not for the rich alone, or old people!”
On blending education, leisure and lifestyle, Bimbo Olashore reiterated that the trio is a continuum. He said: “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 centre, it means you are learning in an environment that promotes lifestyle.
“Golf is a social game for networking and character building. Though people see golf as expensive as a game played 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.”
In this light, the Principal of Olashore International School, Derek Smith, added: “I think golf is a great sport for the children to learn, and it’s really interesting. On the game, you learn self-control. Now that there’s going to be a golf course here now, everyone has the opportunity to learn lessons in the morning before school hours, in the evenings, and during weekends. Despite that we have competitions round the school, I think some of our students can partake in the competition.”
The interim committee members include: Tayo Haastrup, Gbenga Onigbogi, Akin Akinola, Akin Moses, Seyi Onajide, Kunle Ogunbufunmi, Tunde Fagbenle, Oluseyi Lufadeju, Femi Feyide, Ayo Onajide, and Lekan Olashore.
