How a three-year-old boy became Nigeria’s rising star in golf

Ten years ago, at the Ikeja Golf Club in Lagos, a small boy with a tiny golf stick caught everyone’s attention at the Awa Ibraheem Junior Golf Championship.
That boy was Lewis Dandyson. At just three years old, he could barely tie his shoelaces, yet he already knew how to swing a golf club.

Today, at 13, Lewis has become one of Nigeria’s brightest young golfers, winning his first major title at the same tournament where his journey began.
At the 12th Awa Ibraheem Junior Golf Championship, Lewis won the 12–13 years category, completing a dream that started a decade ago.
Back in 2015, a NAN reporter spotted little Lewis making an unexpected appearance at the same event, accompanied by his mother, Mrs. Noble Dandyson.

Though only three, he amazed the crowd by playing four holes with confidence, finishing with a score of 64 an incredible feat for a toddler.
Mrs. Dandyson said she knew that day that her son was destined for greatness.
“Lewis developed an interest in golf after watching his father play.

He wanted to hold the club, so we decided to teach him. We saw his passion early and have supported him ever since,” she said.
The Nigeria Golf Federation’s Director of Youth Development, Emma Ekong, described Lewis as “a perfect example of catching them young,” saying he represents what youth golf development is all about.
Over the years, Lewis practiced hard, entered several junior tournaments, and kept chasing his dream despite challenges and near misses.

His determination finally paid off when he won on his home course in Ikeja.
Speaking with NAN after his victory, a joyful Lewis said:
“It feels amazing. Since I was three, I always wanted to win here. Ikeja Golf Club is like home to me. Golf runs in my family—it’s part of my blood.

My advice to other kids is to follow their dreams and stay focused.”
Lewis also promised to keep working hard.
“I’ll try to win again next year and keep improving. My biggest dream is to win the U.S. Open like Tiger Woods. He inspires me,” he said.
Behind his success is the strong support of his parents, Noble and Mr. Dandyson, who have stood by him every step of the way.
Mrs. Dandyson said she often travels with her son from Port Harcourt to Lagos for the tournament.
“I’ve never stopped supporting him. My husband and I are proud of his progress. His victory also qualifies him to represent Nigeria at the Africa Challenge in Morocco next year. We thank his sponsors, especially the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), for their support,” she said.
She added that the family will continue to help Lewis achieve his dream of becoming one of the best golfers in the world.
Lewis’s story shows the power of early exposure and parental support. Many believe his journey could inspire Nigerian parents to introduce their children to sports early, helping the country produce more world-class athletes.
“If more parents encourage their children like Mrs. Dandyson did, Nigeria could dominate world sports in the future,” said a tournament official.
For Lewis, this victory is a reward for years of effort and a reminder of the road ahead. With his eyes on global titles and his heart full of passion, he is already shaping a future that could put Nigeria on the world golf map.
The journey began with a little boy, his mother, and a dream too big for his tiny hands  and today, that dream is beginning to shine.