Top Five Golf Courses In Nigeria

Football may be the chosen sport of Nigerians, with a large number of local teams, an international award-winning team called The Super Eagles, and millions of football fans. However, golf is one sport that is slowly creeping into the hearts and minds of Nigerians. Golf is played on a large open-air course with the aim of using the fewest possible strokes to win the course.

If you are interested in this sport, or just want to try something new, join a club or hang out with friends, here are the top five places to go golfing in Nigeria:

1. Smoking Hills Golf Resort, Ondo

Smoking Hills golf course. Photo credit: Daily Trust

Smoking Hills is located on the outskirts of Akure in Ondo state. The resort has a standard 18-hole golf course of 140 acres with international standard facilities including a private area and driving range. It is presently the biggest golf course in Nigeria and has huge plans for the future. At Smoking Hills, you can meet with friends, relax, eat, explore nature, or golf.

2. IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja

IBB gold course. Photo credit: Golf and Land Design

IBB is located on Aso Drive in Abuja, close to the Presidential Villa. It is a tourist attraction with one of the most beautiful parkland courses in sub-saharan Africa. It occupies about 249 acres of land. It has facilities including a club house, bar, restaurants, and a driving range. You can visit the resort to watch animals like crocodiles and monkeys in their natural habitat, relax, or just play golf.

3. Le Meridien Ibom Golf Resort, Uyo

Ariel view of Le Meridien Ibom golf course

Le Meridien Ibom is located in Uyo, Nigeria and sits at the top of a rich palm forest vegetation in the capital city of Akwa Ibom State. It has a world-class 18-hole golf course. It is some minutes from the Akwa Ibom Airport. It has a world-class onsite restaurant that serves continental dishes and kids’ menu, and an onsite bar, free Wi-Fi and private parking. It also offers additional services on requests: 24-hour front desk, airport pick-up service, free shuttle service, concierge service, luggage storage, currency exchange, ATM, babysitting services, express check-in or check-out, cleaning services, dry cleaning/laundry service, business centre and a meeting/Banquet/Conference facility.

4. Ikoyi Club, Lagos

Ikoyi golf course. Photo credit: PGA Nigeria

Ikoyi Club is located in Ikoyi, Lagos. It is a private member family Club and it occupies about 456 acres of land and provides first class facilities for about 10, 000 members. Here, you are offered training exercise of the rules and etiquettes of Golf to aspiring and existing golfers. There is an open pavilion with a large multi-purpose screen for all sporting activities viewing and individual or corporate relaxation as well as a large banquet hall for events receptions which has up to 220 sitting capacity, a fully air-conditioned Bar, Lounge and Restaurant.

5. Lakowe Lakes

Lakowe Lakes. Photo credit: Golf advisor

Lakowe Lakes Golf & Country Estate is designed as an exclusive, secure and serene haven located some 25 minutes outside the bustling business centre of Lagos. Its prime position on the thriving and fast developing Lekki-Epe axis guarantees occupants easy access to other neighbourhoods, and to the city, taking advantage of the upgrade and expansion of the Lekki-Epe Expressway. The Lakowe Lakes development occupies a land area of roughly 308 hectares, and overlooks a 55 hectare lake. The estate comprises a pristine 18-hole golf course and clubhouse with sports facilities such as a swimming pool, squash, tennis and badminton courts.