High Stakes & High Spirits At NLNG Golf Classic In Bonny
Tournament Preview & Atmosphere
A Prestigious Tee-Off on Bonny Island
THE much-anticipated 2025 NLNG Golf Classic has officially teed off at the Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC), attracting golfers from across the country for two days of elite competition, camaraderie, and celebration of the sport.
Now in its eighth year and sixth competitive edition, the Nigeria LNG Limited-sponsored tournament has grown into one of the most respected fixtures on Nigeria’s golfing calendar. This year’s Classic features over 100 golfers competing in various categories on the scenic Bonny Island course, known for its lush greens, water hazards, and demanding layout.
Rescheduling Boosts Participation
Originally billed for December, the tournament was rescheduled to 23 and 24 January 2026, due to a diary clash. Organisers say the adjustment significantly improved logistics and participation, enabling golfers from multiple clubs nationwide to attend.
Captain of Bonny Island Golf Club, Abubakar Hussaini, expressed delight at the turnout, noting that the tournament provides a unique platform where seasoned players and rising talents compete side by side.
“Our course is beautiful but unforgiving,” Hussaini said with a smile. “Golfers should come prepared — especially for our water hazards.” He also praised NLNG for its continued commitment to golf development and youth engagement.
Celebration of Golf and Fellowship
Vice Captain Michael Ukaegbu described the sixth edition as a major milestone, attributing its sustained success to consistency and trust built over the years. Lady Captain Darlene Cobham highlighted the social appeal of the Classic, describing it as a reunion of friends filled with “glitz, glam, and unforgettable moments.”
NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophie Horsfall, welcomed participants, describing the Classic as more than a competition.
“This event celebrates camaraderie, networking, and our shared love for golf,” she said, affectionately calling Bonny Island “the secret of Nigeria.”
Beyond the Fairways
The tournament also features a packed social programme, including cocktail receptions, dinners, and an awards night, according to BIGC Social Secretary Ikenna Duru.
Veteran participants such as Atene Bredle Umaro of NNPC Ltd praised the course’s technical demands, while the President of the Ladies Golfers Association of Nigeria, Lami Ahmed, described the Classic as a symbol of national pride.
With strong competition and impeccable organisation, the NLNG Golf Classic continues to elevate Nigeria’s golfing profile.
