Calabar, Nigeria: Reviving a Hundred and Thirty Year Golf Heritage to Power Tourism and Investment in Cross River State

Nigeria’s tourism map has long included Calabar, the verdant capital of Cross River State. It was once well-known as a colonial seaport and centre of culture, but its combination of sport, commerce, and tourism is now drawing more attention. Golf, one of the oldest and most sophisticated games in the world, is helping to shape this change. It has once again found a home in this city in southern Nigeria.

One of the main forces behind this comeback has been First Bank of Nigeria, which as of the third quarter of 2024 had an asset base of N27.4 trillion. The Governor’s Golf and Business Tournament, a collaboration between the bank and Cross River State, is changing the way that sports can boost regional economies. The action showcases the region’s greater economic and cultural potential in addition to the Calabar Golf Club’s natural beauty.

The Heritage of Nigeria’s First Golf City

Few cities in West Africa can boast a golf history as old as Calabar’s. Nigeria’s first golf course was located here as far back as 1895, with trophies from that era still preserved as silent witnesses to a storied past. The original course eventually made way for government buildings and a stadium, but its spirit lived on. In 1991, the current Calabar Golf Club was commissioned, ensuring that the city’s golfing tradition would not fade.

The course remains one of the most demanding and scenic in Nigeria. Framed by rolling greens, tropical trees, and natural undulations, it is ranked among the top three toughest golf courses in the country. Owned and maintained by the Cross River State government, it stands as a symbol of heritage preservation and modern ambition.

Golf here is not just a sport—it is a showcase of tourism, culture, and community life. The manicured lawns and challenging fairways create an atmosphere where business meets recreation. Visitors are drawn not only by the sport but also by the serene beauty and cultural richness that surround it.

First Bank’s Enduring Commitment to Sports and Growth

First Bank of Nigeria’s association with sports dates back more than a century. From supporting polo in Kaduna for over 100 years to sponsoring the Lagos Open Golf Tournament for six decades, the bank has established itself as a strong patron of sporting excellence.

Its investment in the Calabar tournament is seen as a continuation of that tradition. The bank’s leadership emphasised that sports have always been an essential part of community development and national identity. By sponsoring events like this, the bank demonstrates how corporate involvement can extend beyond finance to promote tourism, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.

First Bank’s deep historical roots in Calabar—spanning more than a hundred years—make its role in this initiative even more significant. It is both a celebration of history and a practical step toward economic diversification in Cross River State.

Golf as a Catalyst for Tourism and Investment

The Governor’s Golf and Business Tournament in Calabar blends leisure with networking. It draws golfers and investors from cities such as Abuja, Ibadan, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Benin, and Uyo. The event has become an annual convergence for professionals, entrepreneurs, and tourists who see the game as an opportunity for connection and collaboration.

Each edition of the tournament attracts players and visitors who spend days in Calabar’s hotels, dine in its restaurants, and explore the region’s culture. The spillover effects ripple through the local economy—hospitality businesses thrive, artisans sell crafts, and transport operators benefit from increased movement around the city.

Golfers often double as investors or business leaders, and their presence in Calabar helps expose them to the state’s growing opportunities. The event thus functions not only as a sports competition but also as an investment showcase for the region’s expanding tourism and real estate sectors.

Cross River’s Drive Toward Sports Tourism

Cross River State has long been known for its tourism landmarks, from the Obudu Mountain Resort to the Calabar Carnival. The state government has now positioned sports as an additional driver of economic and social growth. Its tourism master plan emphasises the integration of leisure and infrastructure to attract domestic and foreign visitors.

Governor Bassey Otu’s administration has placed sports at the centre of this transformation. The Governor’s Golf and Business Tournament is part of a broader agenda to promote Calabar as the leading sports tourism destination in Africa. By blending nature, culture, and business in one experience, the state aims to compete with major tourism hubs on the continent.

Youth engagement forms another key pillar of this vision. Golf and other sports are being encouraged as pathways for skill development, discipline, and empowerment. The aim is not only to attract tourists but also to nurture young talent that can contribute to the hospitality and sporting industries.

Community and Cultural Revival

The Calabar Golf Course has become more than a venue—it is a meeting point for communities and cultures. The friendly yet competitive atmosphere of the tournament creates lasting memories for participants and visitors alike. At the end of each event, awards are presented across categories, including veterans, ladies, and divisions, showcasing inclusivity and diversity.

The 2024 edition concluded with winners across different classes, but the real triumph was for Calabar itself. The event drew attention to the city’s renewed vigour and tourism potential, proving that sports can play a transformative role in a state’s development journey.

A Destination with Promise

Calabar’s charm extends beyond the greens. The city is rich with festivals, historic architecture, cuisine, and natural attractions such as the Agbokim Waterfalls and Tinapa Lakeside Resort. Visitors often combine golf with sightseeing, cultural tours, and investment exploration.

For investors and travelers alike, Cross River presents a picture of opportunity wrapped in natural beauty. Its efforts to blend sport and tourism are helping to redefine its identity from a quiet historic town to a modern hub of leisure and enterprise.

Conclusion

In the end, Calabar’s golf comeback is a tale of rebirth. A sport has evolved into a representation of advancement thanks to cooperation between the local community, the state government, and private sector partners like First Bank. In addition to commemorating the city’s 130-year golfing heritage, the tournament carries it forward into a future of increased tourism and economic growth.

Calabar is demonstrating that, given the correct conditions, a golf course can serve as a catalyst for tradition, friendliness, and hope in addition to fairways and greens.

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