ISM, IGolfMDC partner to develop golf in Africa

The International Sports Management (ISM) and International Golf Management and Development Company (IGolfMDC) have signed a partnership that aims to stage tournaments in Africa and aid the development of the sport on the continent.

The ISM, which was created in 1989 by Chubby Chandler, a former golf professional, has organised events that include the European Tours, British Masters, Turkish Airlines Open and Cyprus Open — an influence that is set to extend to Africa for the first time.

IGolfMDC, on the other hand, focuses on contributing to golf development in Nigeria, while organising tournaments, managing talent, and engaging in youth development. It was founded by Olusola J. Lawson, who managed the PGA Nigeria Tour, the first professional golfer tour in Nigeria from 2007 to 2012.

Speaking on the partnership, Chandler said he hopes to recreate legendary but lost golf competitions on the continent, citing the wealth of experience that IGolfMDC has in organizing such events.

“We are really excited to be linking up with IGolfMDC. No organisation knows more about staging tournaments in that part of Africa and we are looking forward to exploring some untapped potential,” he said.

“In my playing days, the Safari Tour was a real success in so many ways and if we can create something similar, helping the game in those countries, then I would be delighted,” he also said.

On his part, Lawson highlighted the importance of the partnership, saying it could help to create a pathway for African players to the European Tour and PGA Tour.

He added that tournaments hosted could also expose Africa to the potentialities of tourism in similarity with what the Turkish Airlines Open and Cyprus Open did for Turkey and Cyprus respectively.

“Over the years I have nursed the idea of promoting international professional golf via a pan-African platform to enhance playing opportunities for Nigerian and African pros, while giving them the opportunity to compete with their counterparts from Europe and America,” he said.

“Working with the ISM team will fast-track the development of West Africa into a key golfing destination. We will be able to stage and manage world class tournaments that will attract some of the best golf pros and showcase our countries to the world to enhance our eco-tourism assets.”

The IGolfMDC founder added that his organisation would attract sponsorship through some of the most discerning brands in West Africa and provide a viable marketing platform for communication and engagement with their customers.