Golf: Makinde commissions longest par-5 hole in Nigeria

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday commissioned what has been described as the longest Par-5 golf hole in Nigeria at the Tiger Golf Club (TGC), Odogbo Cantonment, Ibadan.

The newly redesigned Hole 15, which measures 596 metres, is the club’s signature hole and was sponsored by a golfer and trustee of the club, Mr Dapo Adeleke.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG), Mr Musibau Babatunde, who represented the governor, said the hole stands out as the longest Par-5 not only in Nigeria but also in West Africa.

According to him, the uniqueness of the hole lies in its demanding design and technical features.

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“What makes Hole 15 a signature hole is because it measures 596 metres, making it the longest Par-5 in Nigeria and West Africa. It is one of the most taxing holes, designed in about three layers.

“Getting to the fairway is difficult, with a lagoon to cross and an elevated green that truly tests a golfer’s reasoning and calculation. It is one of the best holes you can find in Africa, serving both recreational purposes and mental development,” Babatunde said.

Also speaking, Captain of Tiger Golf Club, Alhaji Gbenga Subair, commended the sponsor for his commitment, noting that the project took two years to complete.

The Captain added that the completion of the signature hole marked a major milestone in the club’s development journey.

“This project represents a new chapter in the history of Tiger Golf Club. It reflects our commitment to upgrading our facilities to international standards and providing golfers with a truly world-class playing experience.

“I must thank our trustee, Mr Dapo Adeleke, for buying into my vision. This project took two years to complete, from the elevated tee box down to the elevated green, with a dam and fountain in the middle. The total cost of the project is about ₦52 million, fully financed by a single individual. We are deeply grateful for the love and dedication he has shown to this club.

“Hole 15 was deliberately designed to test skill, patience, and strategy. It is not just about power but about intelligent shot placement and decision-making, which is the true spirit of golf,” Subair said.

The commissioning of the hole is expected to further enhance Tiger Golf Club’s profile and position it as one of the leading golf destinations in the region.

Meanwhile, a member of TGC, Mr Amos Fasanya, emerged the winner of the maiden edition of the Green Mount Foundation Golf Championship.