Players and other stakeholders in golf have drawn attention to the lack of government interest in supporting the sport.
The captain of the Calabar Golf Club, Major General Ahmed Sabo (retd), said the lack of support by government has accounted for the reason major international tournaments have not come to Cross River State.
He spoke when he led a delegation from the Calabar Golf Club to pay a courtesy call on Governor Bassey Otu in his office.
Sabo described golf as a major tourist attraction through the hosting of quality tournaments.
“We want to appeal to the state government to see golf as a sport that can attract distinguished personalities to the state. Golf also boosts tourism,” he said.
The club pledged its support for the Otu-led administration’s commitment to repositioning the state for the better.
They presented the governor with golfing kits as their patron.
Welcoming them, Governor Bassey Otu said his administration is committed to reviving golf as one of those prestigious sports that would attract both national and international visitors and investors to the state.
“I am happy with the history that golf in Nigeria began in the ancient city of Calabar. A lot of the things that started here have been taken away from us.
“What we are doing now is a battle to not just reclaim, but put ourselves back into the equation because the modalities and advancements have actually left us behind. But like they say, it is better late than never,” Otu stated.
He promised the golf club his administration’s support in the maintenance of its course.
Stakeholders lament lack of govt support for golf