Nigerian Air Force Sergeant Agboola Kolawole has secured membership of the Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria (PGAN) after five years and four attempts, setting his sights on becoming one of the country’s and Africa’s leading golfers.
Kolawole, a member of the Sunday Kelvin Aneke Golf Club in Shasha, Lagos, is among more than 40 players who passed the association’s qualifying examination.
He described his admission as the fulfilment of a long-standing 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 sergeant credited Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, for giving candidates adequate time to prepare for the examination.
“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 praised the Air Force Director of Sports, Group Captain Ademide Adeyeye, for supporting sports instructors, particularly specialists.
Kolawole said his new professional status would allow him to nurture young talents and contribute to golf development, including through the operation of 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 star Rory McIlroy, Kolawole expressed his ambition to reach the pinnacle of 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.
Other newly qualified professionals from the club are Flight Sergeant Simon Achi and Adedokun James. Pro Saheed Badmus and Akorede Iyanuoluwa of Ibadan Golf Club, alongside Anthony Friday of Ikoyi Golf Club, also earned qualification.
The new professionals are expected to advance the sport through coaching, competitive participation and other activities.
To celebrate its three newly qualified members, the Sunday Kelvin Aneke Golf Club will host a special kitty on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with club members and other golfers invited to attend.
