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Chief Leo Edochie, Nigeria’s renowned celebrity golfer has cemented his status, not just as a fairway fashionista but also as a legendary promoter of the sport.
After only two years of being inescapably hooked, Edochie is excited that he has inspired a new generation of players in addition to creating a bubbling community of influential figures who are driven by Leo’s obsessive passion for the sport.
Today, he brings new perspectives to golf in Nigeria, including the inimitable swag that has attracted interest from overseas.
“I’m very pleased that I’m succeeding in influencing more people to start playing golf,” he says. “My objectives are being realised and I feel quite fulfilled.
“Yes, it has become easier to sustain people’s interest because I make it a deliberate policy to encourage, sponsor and provide golf merchandise.
“The good news is that my efforts at promoting the game are gaining international attention. As I speak with you, some foreign brands have reached out to identify with what I’m doing and discussions are at advanced stages for partnerships as well as enhancement of my golf community engagements.”
As the sport’s prime ambassador and loud voice that can no longer be silenced or ignored, Chief Leo Edochie now ushers in a refreshing diversity and a new wave of golf promotion.
“In addition to getting more people to play recreational golf, my other focus is to support our juniors and help the women’s game grow. Many people do not realise that ladies play golf. So, I’ve personally cast my shadow around ladies’ golf”.
Through his reputable engineering firm, Solotone Global Ventures Limited, Leo is poised to sponsor some championships. “We have one coming up in Ibadan this April. Myself and Heineken are the major sponsors. I’ll also be collaborating with other brands to host another tournament at the Ikoyi Golf course.
“Beyond these, we’ve been sponsoring golf events across our nation, and we’re intensifying our involvement this year because support is the live wire of golf.”
On a personal level, this year’s itinerary of Edochie, Chinaemeze of Nteje and Ebube Agu of Rumurolu Kingdom of Ikwerre land will take him to several courses in the country and to fairways in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Leo’s appetite to raise the profile of this beautiful game is insatiable. “I go live on Facebook by 8pm every Friday. For one hour, I discuss all aspects of goal, from its networking opportunities to the recreational and health benefits. I use the window to provide answers to some people’s concerns and to educate newcomers on vital areas.”
One other feature that stands Engr. Edochie out is his dress sense. Head to toe, this imposing figure is the unmissable cynosure, always decked in impeccably-tailored bright colours, modern footwear and trendy accessories.
That, perhaps, explains his fascination for Rickie Fowler’s on-course style, especially the American’s trademark fluorescent orange apparels on Sundays.
“My golf attires have remained unique,” he confirms. “I’ve always loved dressing well, right from my younger days. I don’t wear regular brands. I prefer exotic and bright colours to reflect my status as a celebrity golfer.
“You see, being a celebrity golfer comes with its own demands. When these younger chaps openly compliment your appearance and compartment, it means you have to be that shining example, a role model of sort to them. You just have to provide the shoulder for them to lean on by encouraging and supporting them with money and materials, as well as guiding them aright.”
Either at Phython and Sealord courses in the Garden City of Port Harcourt or elsewhere in Nigeria, Chief Edochie embodies elegance and undisguised glamour as he struts the fairways or navigates the lush green vegetation in his white golf cart.
And like a priest delivering a homily, Leo’s golf sermons on the fairways or through his social media engagements are steadily winning new converts.
For those struggling to learn the game, Edochie has a message: “Be patient because success is on the way; just know that quitters don’t win.”
Edochie, a former president of the Port Harcourt Polo club has also contributed so much to the development of the game of polo.
