The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Golf Association is intensifying efforts to make golf more accessible to women and young people, combining grassroots development with educational opportunities as part of a broader strategy to expand participation in the sport.

The initiative was recently highlighted when the association’s Chairman, Akabom Enebong, hosted the Head of Service of the FCT Administration, Nancy Nathan, for her first-ever golf lesson at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club in Abuja. The session formed part of the association’s campaign to promote women’s participation and introduce more young people to the game.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Enebong said engaging public officials is essential to building support for sports development.

“To promote any sport successfully, you must involve decision-makers so they appreciate its value and support its development,” he said.

According to Enebong, increasing women’s participation remains a major priority, noting that many opportunities available to female athletes remain underutilised.

“Women are underrepresented in sports despite the opportunities available to them. About 80 to 90 per cent of sports scholarships for women in Nigeria remain untapped,” he said.

He added that encouraging more women to embrace golf could create opportunities beyond recreation, including improved health, leadership development, wider participation in sports, and access to educational scholarships.

Beyond promoting the game among adults, the association is also investing in grassroots development through a proposed Golf STEM Academy for schools across the FCT.

“We want to integrate golf with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education because the game involves physics, calculations, and technical skills,” Enebong explained.

He said combining sport with STEM education would not only enrich students’ learning experiences but also make the programme more attractive to sponsors and development partners.

“Our vision is to raise a new generation of young golfers who will excel both academically and on the course,” he said.

Enebong appealed to corporate organisations and development partners to support the initiative through sponsorships and youth-focused programmes.

Nathan said she decided to try golf after learning about its health and recreational benefits.

“I have heard so much about golf. The chairman also encouraged me to give it a try because it is a game one can enjoy even at an older age,” she said.

Reflecting on her first experience, she described the session as enjoyable and physically engaging.

“I can already feel the impact around my ribs and legs. It shows the game keeps the body active and fit,” she said.

Nathan encouraged more women across the FCT to take up golf, describing it as an inclusive sport that can be enjoyed regardless of age or background.

She also commended the association for challenging the perception that golf is exclusively for the wealthy and praised Enebong’s commitment to grassroots development and women’s inclusion.

Looking ahead, Nathan pledged her continued support for programmes that encourage greater participation among women and young people.

“I will continue to advocate programmes that promote healthy lifestyles, youth development, and women’s participation through sports,” she said.

By Umm e Habiba, Pakistan.