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By Philip Nwosu
A member of the Dolphin Golf Club and enthusiast of the game, Dr Suleiman Ola Olagiwa, has highlighted the numerous physical and mental benefits of the sport urging Nigerians to engage in the game to better their health.
Speaking during the Caddies tournament , Suleiman Ola Olagiwa, a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, described golf as a “fantastic health activity” that engages both the body and mind, while also fostering emotional discipline.
The 1ST EDITION CADDIES TOURNAMENT, with the theme Open Chest being held for the first time since 1983, was widely praised for its organisation and overall execution. Olagiwa commended the organisers for successfully bringing the event back to life, noting that the initiative would help promote the growth of the game, particularly among caddies and aspiring professionals.
“It’s a fantastic job. Those who came together to revive this tournament have done tremendously well. The organisation has been superb,” he said, adding that participants, including invited guests, were impressed by the seamless coordination and hospitality.
Beyond the competition itself, the professor highlighted the health advantages of golf, explaining that the sport provides full-body exercise and mental stimulation. According to him, players can take between 12,000 and 13,000 steps during a standard 18-hole game, making it an effective way to maintain physical fitness.
“Golf exercises all the muscles of the body and also engages the brain. It teaches you how to control anger and manage frustration, which are important for overall wellbeing,” he said.
Olagiwa, who revealed that he remains an active golfer at 75, attributed his fitness to regular participation in the sport, encouraging more people to take up golf regardless of age.
He further urged sustained investment in young players, especially caddies, stressing that with proper training and sponsorship, they could rise to international prominence. Citing global golf icons such as Tiger Woods, he noted that professional golf offers significant financial and career opportunities.
“There is tremendous benefit in going professional. If we train and support our young players to reach international standards, the sky is the limit for them,” he added.
The orthopaedic surgeon also dismissed age as a barrier to participation, encouraging individuals above 40 to embrace the sport.
“Golf has no age limit. Even people in their 90s still play at their own pace. So at 40, you can still start and enjoy the benefits,” he said.
The successful revival of the tournament is expected to boost interest in golf, promote healthier lifestyles, and create pathways for young talents to pursue professional careers in the sport.
Earlier, the Captain of Dolphin Golf Club, Dr Joseph Ogbe, described the tournament as a deliberate effort to nurture young and upcoming golfers while restoring a long-abandoned competition.
According to him, the tournament had not been played in the country for over four decades, making its revival a landmark achievement under his leadership.
“This tournament was last played in 1983 in Nigeria. Since then, it has not been held. As the captain of this club, I felt it was important to bring it back, especially for young players who aspire to become professionals,” he said.
Ogbe noted that the competition with the theme Open Chest was designed to provide a platform for budding golfers to test their skills and gain exposure, adding that the level of participation and performance exceeded expectations.
