By Isreal Joel
Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong on Monday welcomed professional and amateur golfers to Jos, the Plateau State capital for a tournament to unveil the redesigned oldest golf course in Nigeria, Rayfield 1913.
While performing the tee-off at the Rayfield golf course in Jos, Governor Lalong said the game of golf is associated with the historical role that mining played in the development and growth of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
He said as a Governor with a passion for sports including golf, he has decided to take the game to the next level as well harness its potential for tourism, business, and, relaxation.
Lalong said the redesigned Rayfield golf course is fully green and will be a legacy that his administration will leave for the sport in the State, adding to its potential as a destination for leisure, business, and hospitality.
The Governor said peace which has been substantially restored in the State is very important because it has given citizens and visitors confidence to come into Plateau State for business and leisure.
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He also explained that making the Rayfield golf course green puts it in a good position to be recognized nationally and internationally as the first golf club in Nigeria.
Captain of the Rayfield Golf Club Air Commodore Lazarus Mshelia rtd. said over 200 professional and amateur players from across the country are participating in the tournament which is a huge gain from the successive Governor’s cup organized in the State under Governor Lalong.
He appreciated Governor Lalong for his passion for developing golf in Plateau State which has brought in more players thereby creating an opportunity for repositioning the image of the State.
Tournament Director, Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria JohnBull Dangofa said the event has shown early signs rising to the standard of a spectacular sporting fiesta:
Dangofa said players from international golf clubs and the PGA will perform at the event and commended Governor Simon Lalong for supporting the tournament.
He stressed that several youths are being taken off the streets to play golf and that such has greatly helped in reducing crime.
