Igho Ugbegu serves as the Lady Captain of the Ibori Golf and Country Club. With over a decade of experience in golf, she has been elected as the club’s Lady Captain twice. In an exclusive interview, she shares insights into her golfing journey, debunks misconceptions about golf, discusses the insufficiency of female representation in the sport, and outlines her vision for the advancement of golf in Nigeria.
How did you get into golf?
I never planned to play golf. It was not my kind of sport. When I was in school, I was a sprinter. But when I was working in DESOPADEC I would bring documents for signing to the golf club almost daily for my then boss who was a golfer. One day when I came, he said they should not let me in until I registered as a member and that was what I did. I have been playing golf since 2009 and I have absolutely fallen in love with the game.
How long have you been the lady captain of the club?
I just resumed with my Captain Hon Patrick Ukah in February this year. But I was also a Lady Captain in 2014. This is my second time in this office.
Why was there a need for a Lady Captain in the club?
In every leadership role, it’s important to have female representation. There’s a common saying, “Behind every successful man is a woman.” Just like in political positions, where we have women ministers, senators, commissioners holding other important political roles. Similarly, in golfing, while the captain leads the club as a whole, there is also a lady captain to oversee the affairs of the women golfers. This is essential to ensure that women are not left out of the club’s activities. It’s worth mentioning that we have representation from the Nigeria Golf Association (NGF) and also the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria to cater to the needs of female golfers in the country.
As the Lady Captain, what are your responsibilities?
Even though this is my second time in office, it has not been without challenges. It’s not just the title alone. There is a lot on your plate, as you have to interact with the women, ensure their comfort, and protect their interests. You are also to work alongside your captain. When he and his vice are not there, anything that happens at that particular point falls on your shoulders. You have to bring the women together by organizing tournaments, fundraisers, monthly medals, and so on. There is a tournament that we hold every September called the Ladies Open at the Ibori Golf Club, where women from across West Africa compete against each other. And men are not left out.
This is the main area where the challenge arises because you have to raise money, and engage with organizations, corporate bodies, and individuals for sponsorship, as these women are coming from different places and need food, accommodation, T-shirts, caps, souvenirs, and many other things.
Is there a signature hole in the golf course? What makes it special?
The golf course has several notable spots. In Hole 8, there is a bunker called the Hon Daniel Mayuku’sbunker, which is known to be a very challenging spot. Whenever someone hits this bunker, they will exclaim, ‘Hei, I don enter Mayuku bunker’. It’s a place where Mayuku’s name is inevitably mentioned whenever golf is played at this court. He served as the club’s captain for four years and made significant contributions to the club’s development.
Additionally, there is a hut on the same hole named after Queen Mowah, a previous lady captain of the club in 2022. She entertains people there during tournaments by providing food such as chicken, suya, and barbecue.
Another notable spot is a hut on Hole Five, built, owned and managed by Uba Attoh, who also served as a captain. He entertains people and provides water during tournaments.
What would you say are the benefits of Golfing?
There are numerous benefits to playing golf. Personally, I have incorporated it into my life as I have found a family in the sport. When you’re on the golf course, it’s easy to forget about the outside world. Golf can be quite addictive due to its captivating and possessive nature; the allure of the greenery, trees, and fresh air may make you want to return time and time again. Golf also provides health benefits; playing 18 holes entails walking around 10 kilometers, while nine holes involve about four to five kilometers of walking. After a round of golf, you feel rejuvenated, happy, and refreshed, having burned calories, breathed in fresh air, sweated, and interacted with others. Additionally, golf is a place where you can form new connections and relationships. When you play golf, you have the opportunity to meet people you never would have expected to encounter before. Whether it’s meeting individuals from different states or even different countries, golf provides a platform for bonding with others.
People say Golf is an elitist game, is that true?
It’s not true that only the wealthy can play golf. We have kids as young as primary and secondary school students who play golf here. We also have junior golfers and category one golfers and they are not rich. However, to join as a golfer above the age of 18, you need to have a lawful source of income to cover registration and dues. The club maintains the course, so members need to contribute to keep it in good condition.
Does the club plan to accommodate other sports?
Yes. The golf club is planning to accommodate additional sports such as lawn tennis, table tennis, and a swimming pool, as well as provide a snooker board. This will provide visitors with a variety of activities to enjoy. Even after playing golf, if you don’t want to head home, you can relax and engage in some indoor sports.
What is your growth assessment of golf in Nigeria?
Golf is gaining popularity and momentum in Nigeria. However, we need the government’s support for the sport. In the Western world, countries like the US and the UK place a lot of importance on golf and provide substantial support. They have professional golfers who play for prize money and are very successful, just like our footballers. In Nigeria, golf is growing, but we hope it can grow faster with more people interested in playing professionally and with support and sponsorship from government and corporate bodies. Therefore, we need the government to recognize and support these young players and professional organizations so that golf can be appreciated and well-supported by the public.
What does it take to be a good golfer?
Dedication, preparedness, character, and discipline are important in golf. It’s not just about swinging the club, but also about displaying gentlemanly and ladylike behavior. There’s a saying that you can know a person’s character by playing 9 holes of golf with them. During the game, you can observe whether they are patient, sincere, and rational.
What is the ratio of male to female golfers in Nigeria?
It’s like 80:20, or let’s say 70:30.
Why is that?
Men generally have more freedom to play golf compared to women. This is because women often have to fulfill family obligations, leaving them with less time and opportunity to engage in the sport. Additionally, there are financial barriers such as registration fees, dues, caddie expenses, equipment costs, and clothing expenses that further hinder women’s participation in golf. Living in Nigeria presents additional challenges due to the high cost of living, which impacts women’s ability to play the sport. As a result, there are fewer female golfers compared to male golfers in the country.
With the 70:30 ratio of male to female golfers in Nigeria as you said, how do you intend to make more women interested in the sport?
We are working to encourage men to talk to their wives and motivate them to join us for a game of golf. Last Tuesday, we observed the Women’s Golf Day where we emphasized to all women that playing golf isn’t difficult. We also highlighted that the financial aspect shouldn’t be a deterrent. Our club is like one big family, and we support each other. It’s a place where men respect and acknowledge women. When you join us for a game, you’ll find the love and respect you’re looking for already here.
What are the goals of the Ibori golf course under your co-leadership?
We are working together to transform the golf course into the premier destination for golfing in Nigeria. Our goal is to boost tourism and business in Asaba, Delta State, and create a welcoming environment for visitors so that when you come to Asaba, you’ll find everything you need in one place – a top-notch golf course, a hotel, and a swimming pool. The course is geared toward providing all the comforts you need: play golf, enjoy a drink, and then relax in your hotel room. If you prefer indoor activities, we have those available too. Plus, the airport is conveniently located nearby, making it easy to catch a flight without travelling far.
