Edo opens Oba of Benin tourney’s doors to foreign stars

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has revealed that plans are on to make the annual Oba of Benin Invitational Golf Tournament an international competition.The competition is currently open to golfers from clubs within Nigeria, but the governor at the just concluded seventh edition of the competition that efforts were on to attract foreign players to the competition, which holds at the Benin Golf Club annually.

Obaseki solicited support from members of the Benin Golf Club to realize the dream, saying, “this is the only golf tournament, which blends the traditional with the modern. This is a unique feature of the tournament.”

He preached the gains in golf, saying it enables players to exercise and relax and develop skills requiring focus.Obaseki debunked the belief by some people that golf was an elitist game, saying it has so many aspects.

“The game reveals one’s character, the type of person you are – whether you are patient, strategic, foresighted or greedy. All of these are expressed when you play golf,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Benin Golf Club Captain, Mr. Osagie Nehikhare praised the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II and Governor Obaseki for participating in the event, saying their presence added colour and beauty to the tournament.