Daily Independent Online.
*
Monday, July 05, 2004.
Government can do more for
golfers -Epega
By Taiwo Alimi
Senior
Correspondent,
Lagos
Amateur player and member of the Ikoyi
Club 1938 (Golf Section) Barin Epega believes government at all levels can do
more to improve the present state of golfers in the country.
Speaking with Daily
Independent recently at the Ikoyi Club, the golf enthusiast who plays off
handicap 12 said government spends a lot of money on football and urged it to spare a thought for golfers
in the country too.
“I really do
not see any reason why government should spend that much money on football and
not even a dime on golf. I do not think it is the best for Nigerian golf
because there is a lot to gain from playing golf”.
Epega who recently
returned from the US Open said the country can boast of good professionals who,
given the opportunity can rob shoulders with their counterparts in South
Africa.
“It think our
professionals need help from individuals and government to get to the top of
their career and this is where the government must come in, as any
encouragement would go a long way in taking them closer to the top,” said
Epega.
The estate valuer
said golf needs serious facelift while calling on government to put the sport
in proper perspective, “If you attend competitions like the US Open, you
would know that we are just joking here. Golf is way ahead of what you can imagine
out there. You see thousands of people rushing to the course to watch the Open
and paying good money too. Golf is big investment and I do not see any reason
why we cannot achieve that level here if we are serious about what we are
doing. Golf is also a game all Nigerians should play because it is a moulder of
character,” added Epega
