Inside GolfX: Redefining how Nigerians play, connect and unwind at a new lifestyle destination

As Nigeria’s lifestyle and entertainment landscape continues to evolve, experiential concepts are beginning to redefine how people engage with leisure. GolfX, a new entrant in the space, sits at the intersection of sport, technology, and social interaction, offering a reimagined approach to golf and lifestyle entertainment.

Karla Pelser, General Manager of Lakowe Lakes, in this conversation with CHISOM MICHAEL, discusses the thinking behind the brand, its launch at Lakowe Lakes, and how the concept fits into the future of experience-led leisure in Nigeria.

GolfX was inspired by a growing recognition that leisure in Nigeria, particularly in urban centres like Lagos, was evolving faster than the spaces designed to serve it. People were no longer satisfied with passive entertainment or venues that offered only one dimension of engagement. We saw an opportunity to create a destination that combined activity, social interaction, and relaxation in a single, thoughtfully designed environment, one that encourages people to participate rather than simply observe.

The problem we set out to solve was the lack of inclusive, experience-led leisure destinations that cater to a wide range of audiences without being intimidating or exclusive. Golf, in particular, has traditionally been perceived as inaccessible. GolfX was designed to remove those barriers by reimagining the sport as interactive, social, and welcoming, while integrating food, technology, and hospitality to create a complete lifestyle experience.

Lakowe Lakes offered a natural alignment with the vision behind GolfX. Its serene landscape, open green spaces, and distance from the congestion of central Lagos create the kind of setting that allows people to truly slow down and engage with the experience. We wanted GolfX to feel like a destination, not just a venue, and Lakowe provides that sense of escape without being inaccessible.

The environment plays a critical role in shaping the experience. The calm surroundings soften the energy of the city while enhancing the social and recreational elements of GolfX. Guests are able to enjoy immersive play, good food, and meaningful connection in a setting that feels relaxed and intentional, which reinforces our goal of redefining how leisure is experienced in Nigeria.

GolfX is best described as an immersive entertainment hub where play and lifestyle intersect. At its core, it uses technology to transform golf into an interactive experience that is easy to understand and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of skill level. Guests hit balls into an open field while digital screens track each shot in real time, turning the game into something visual, engaging, and shared.

Beyond golf, the experience expands into gaming, virtual reality, dining, and social spaces designed for conversation and connection. It is a place where you can actively participate or simply enjoy the atmosphere, making it equally suitable for casual outings, celebrations, or corporate engagements. The concept is intentionally flexible, allowing guests to shape their experience based on how they want to spend their time.

Traditional leisure venues in Nigeria often focus on a single activity, whether that is dining, nightlife, or gaming. GolfX fills the gap between these categories by offering an integrated experience that combines movement, interaction, and hospitality in one space. It provides an alternative to purely passive socialising by encouraging participation while still maintaining a relaxed, premium atmosphere.

Unlike conventional lounges or gaming centres, GolfX is designed to be inclusive across age groups and interests. Families, professionals, corporate teams, and social groups can all engage with the space in different ways at the same time. This versatility allows GolfX to serve as a multi-purpose destination, something that is still relatively rare in Nigeria’s leisure landscape.

Globally, there is a clear shift towards experiences that are interactive, memorable, and shared. People increasingly value how an experience makes them feel and who they experience it with, rather than simply where they go. GolfX reflects this shift by prioritising engagement, visual feedback, and social connection, turning leisure into something active and emotionally resonant.

The integration of technology is central to this approach. By making play visual and instantly rewarding, GolfX creates moments that spark conversation, friendly competition, and repeat visits. This aligns with how modern audiences consume leisure, as something that blends entertainment, social interaction, and storytelling rather than existing as a standalone activity.

The ideal GolfX guest is anyone seeking a more engaging way to spend their leisure time. Rather than targeting a narrow demographic, the space was designed to accommodate a wide spectrum of guests, including families, groups of friends, professionals, and corporate clients. Accessibility was a key consideration, ensuring that first-time visitors feel just as comfortable as returning guests.

The design of the space reflects this diversity. Open bays encourage group interaction, private booths cater to VIPs and corporate gatherings, and dedicated zones ensure children and gamers are equally engaged. This layered approach allows multiple experiences to coexist seamlessly, making Golf X adaptable to different needs and occasions without compromising on quality or comfort.

Launching a concept like GolfX requires significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and skilled personnel. Beyond the physical build, there is a need for reliable systems, ongoing maintenance, and a strong operational framework to ensure consistency and quality. In Nigeria’s business environment, resilience and adaptability are essential, particularly when managing logistics, power, and long-term operational sustainability.

Equally important is strategic planning and partnership. A concept of this scale demands a clear understanding of the market, customer behaviour, and pricing dynamics. It also requires a long-term view, as experiential destinations are built on repeat engagement and brand trust rather than quick returns. Careful attention to service delivery and customer experience is what ultimately justifies the investment.

Success for Golf X goes beyond footfall or revenue. It lies in becoming a reference point for experiential leisure in Nigeria, a place people associate with quality time, meaningful connections, and memorable experiences. We want Golf X to be a destination people return to, not just for special occasions, but as part of their regular lifestyle.

In the broader context, we hope Golf X contributes to reshaping how leisure is perceived and experienced in Nigeria. By demonstrating that entertainment can be inclusive, interactive, and thoughtfully designed, we aim to influence the development of more experience-led spaces across the country. Ultimately, Golf X is about showing that leisure can be both sophisticated and accessible, creating shared value for individuals, communities, and the industry as a whole.

Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.

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