Golf can take youths off the streets, says MicCom Club Pro

The Head Professional of MicCom Golf Club, Ada, Osun State, Jayeola Liadi, has urged governments at all levels to invest more in golf development, describing the sport as a viable platform for youth engagement and social reorientation. Liadi stated this during a golf tournament organised at MicCom Golf and Resort, Ada, to celebrate the 80th […]

The Head Professional of MicCom Golf Club, Ada, Osun State, Jayeola Liadi, has urged governments at all levels to invest more in golf development, describing the sport as a viable platform for youth engagement and social reorientation.
Liadi stated this during a golf tournament organised at MicCom Golf and Resort, Ada, to celebrate the 80th birthday of businessman and Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Chief Tunde Badmus.
According to him, golf should no longer be seen strictly as an elite sport, noting that proper investment in grassroots development could help discover young talents and keep youths away from crime and other social vices.
“If our government can support golf, we can also produce world champion like Tiger Woods. We have talents in this game but government intervention is very important.
“They shouldn’t look at golf as an elite game alone. It is also for the young ones. The sport can take them off the streets and keep them busy.
“We need government intervention to support this game, a programme like catch them young to support the game. The last national sports festival, Osun has never won a gold, but the last one at Abeokuta we won a gold,” Liadi said.
He stressed that with structured grassroots programmes and sustained support, Nigeria could produce world-class golfers capable of competing globally.
The tournament attracted about 65 golfers from across the South-West and Ilorin, with participating clubs represented by five golfers each, according to a statement by the organisers obtained by Golf Digest.
Liadi said the turnout reflected growing interest in the game and also served as a fitting tribute to Chief Badmus at 80.
“They all converged here to celebrate with him,” he said.