Precisely in August, last year, Chief Leo Edochie finally hit the fairway to herald his long overdue comeback to the enthralling sport of golf that he embraced some sixteen years ago.
It was such a long, tortuous journey to this destination. Friends and associates had mounted pressures, even cajoled him just to lure him to golf those years past, but he defied all entreaties to stick to polo. He cemented his legacy after years of loyal service that culminated in his sponsorship of tournaments and election as the President of Port Harcourt Polo Club.
And suddenly, without much promptings this time around, Leo switched gear from polo fields to the scenically-stunning golf fairways. He had been bitten, as they say, by the golf bug and bewitched by the lush green vegetation as well as golf’s offerings of recreation and relaxation.
So, here comes Chief Leo Chinedu Edochie, Nigeria’s top celebrity golfer. By every measurable standard – towering frame, obsessive passion, eye-catching apparels and a deep pocket- the cap fits.
Edochie’s well-informed narratives about the sport he has technically played for about one year, truly amazes. Either when he dissects the game or infects his captive audience with captivating narratives, there are few escape routes.
Either on Instagram, Tiktok or via his Facebook reels, his consistent efforts at promoting the game of golf are legion and legendary.
Here are few teasers from his Facebook feeds:
“Alright guys, it’s me again, Leo Edochie…and I’m here to do what I do best- play golf.
“First and foremost, I’ll be explaining why I play golf daily. It’s a collabo because you have the game and you have the exercise.”
And he forewarns: “Do you know what will happen to your body and soul if you don’t exercise regularly? Oh yeah, you’ll have yourself to blame at a later stage.”
Leo, first son of Nigeria’s Nollywood icon of international acclaim, Ebubedike Pete Edochie works assiduously to pave a development pathway for golf in the country.
Through his reputable engineering firm, Solotone Global Ventures Limited where he sits atop as the managing director and chief operating officer, Chief Leo Edochie, Ozo Chinaemeze of Nteje and Ebube Agu of Rumurolu Kingdom of Ikwerre land, vows to extend his philanthropy to golfers, especially the underprivileged.
As he calmly put it, he is on a crusade to win new converts and grow the sport.
“I’m more like a crusader for golf. My goal is to inspire people to play golf, starting from my friends and other associates. I’m on a mission to let people know how important golf is, both in terms of the networking and camaraderie it presents, and the numerous health benefits associated with the sport,” he said.
Through his engineering firm, Solotone Global Ventures Limited, Leo sponsors three Holes in three different clubs – Hole 8 at the Phython Golf in Port Harcourt, Hole 8 at Navy’s Sealord also in the same Garden City and Hole 11 at the Enugu Golf Section.
“Having those three holes in the three clubs makes us part and parcel of them. The essence is to contribute to the growth of the sport.
“We also sponsor other golf-related activities in other clubs. My company is enthusiastic to encourage even people who have not played golf before. Just indicate interest and leave the rest to us to pay your membership fees, buy clubs and support you in other ways,” he said.
Being a celebrity golfer comes with its own demands. Either in the three Port Harcourt-based clubs or elsewhere, Leo is the cynosure each time he hits the fairways.
“If I’ll motivate people, they are going to take a look at me and like what they see, be it how I turn out fashion-wise, how I relate with players and caddies, and my commitment to the game,” he addedm
You will, surely, hear cheers reverberate when he launches those solid middle of the fairway bombers.
“Wow, that’s a beautiful shot,”
the crowd roared in collective praise after he unleashed his trademark drive. Leo agrees.
“That’s the shot”.
But how does this golf addict apportion time between his family, business and golf?
“Oh, it’s been fantastic because I try to strike a balance between those contending variables. Of course, my family comes first. I spend quality time with my wife and our three children who are, fortunately, adults today.
“Then I go to work and put in commensurate hours too. After work, I play golf before coming back home to my family, and we chat again before retiring to bed”.
Chief Edochie ‘s excitement about golf is exuberant, if not infectious.
“Though I love the game and have been following it for over three decades,” confesses Leo’s friend, Mudiaga Okorite Wanogho, “you (Edochie) are making me, or should I say, inspiring me to join the playing crew.”
Leo’s response was an invitation: “Mudi my bro, come and play golf”. His younger brother, Linc Tochukwu Edochie has followed in the footsteps of “Mighty Boy Golfer” when he registered as a member of Enugu Golf Section a couple of months ago.
Like a prosperity preacher, Leo often holds his golf congregants spellbound with his crusade for the sport, his passion, glamorous outlook and an undying desire to bequeath a future of foreseeable opportunities for golfers here in Nigeria and beyond.
As he massively invests his money, time and energy into promoting this beautiful sport, Chinaemeze Leo Chinedu Edochie has left the golfing Community with so much memories to cherish, so much accomplishments to celebrate and a future that holds so much promises.
For this celebrity golfer of repute, it is the dawn of a bright new day.
‘My mission is to inspire more people’ – Leo Edochie, Nigeria’s top celebrity golfer vows