After four attempts and five years of trying, Nigerian Air Force Sergeant Agboola Kolawole has finally joined the Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria, and he says he is determined to become one of the best players in Nigeria and Africa.
Kolawole is among more than 40 golfers who have qualified as members of the association. A member of the Sunday Kelvin Aneke Golf Club, Shasha, Lagos, he said his admission into the PGA Nigeria marked the fulfilment of a five-year ambition.
“I’ve been working to become a member of PGAN for five years now, but I kept failing. God made this year special for me by making it possible,” he said.
The Air Force officer said this was his fourth attempt at the qualifying examination. He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, for allowing candidates sufficient time to prepare for the tests.
“I appreciate the Chief of Air Staff for releasing us for the qualifying school. They gave us time to practise and study very well before the exams, and this is why we were able to pass,” he said.
He also commended the Nigerian Air Force Director of Sports, Group Captain Ademide Adeyeye, for supporting sports instructors, particularly specialists.
Kolawole said his new professional status would enable him to contribute to the development of golf by training younger players and operating a golf shop.
“This certification will also enable me to give back to the game. Now I can help train and groom younger players for the future,” he said.
Inspired by Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy, Kolawole said he hoped to attain the highest level in the sport.
“As a professional golfer now, I want to emulate my role model, Rory McIlroy. I hope to become the best in Nigeria and Africa. I’m so elated to get to this level,” he added.
Two other newly qualified professionals from the Sunday Kelvin Aneke Golf Club are Flight Sergeant Simon Achi and Adedokun James.
Other golfers who qualified include Pro Saheed Badmus and Akorede Iyanuoluwa of Ibadan Golf Club, as well as Anthony Friday of Ikoyi Golf Club.
The newly qualified professionals are expected to contribute to the growth of golf in Nigeria through coaching, competition and other professional activities.
Meanwhile, the Sunday Kelvin Aneke Golf Club will hold a special kitty on Saturday, October 24, 2026, to celebrate the three newly qualified professionals. Members of the club and other golfers have been invited to the event.