The Golf Section of Ikoyi Club 1938 is preparing to host a remarkable golfing event, bringing together elite players from across the world alongside their African counterparts to vie for honors at the 63rd Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship, which kicks off at the club on November 18. This tournament will cover 64 holes and is expected to attract more than 200 participants, including 13 professionals, many of whom are past champions of the amateur event, all competing for a prize pool of N5 million, graciously sponsored by various contributors.
The FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship is recognized as a World Amateur Golf Ranking event, overseen by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club and the United States Golf Association. This designation allows amateur golfers from around the globe to compete and earn points that contribute to their WAGR standings.
In anticipation of this year's event, Olusegun Alebiosu, the Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, expressed gratitude to the management of Ikoyi Club 1938 for their longstanding partnership over the past 63 years.
Alebiosu, represented by Patrick Iyamabo, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of FirstBank, emphasized that the bank has consistently provided a platform to attract top amateur golfers, both locally and internationally, a commitment that the financial institution intends to uphold.
“We have enjoyed partnering on this remarkable initiative for 63 years and counting,” he said.
The FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship stands out as one of the key sponsorships under FirstBank’s First@Sports initiative, showcasing the bank's steadfast dedication to nurturing sporting talent both in Nigeria and on a global scale.
Alebiosu emphasized that FirstBank’s enduring partnership and sponsorship of the championship reflect the bank's commitment to establishing a legacy not just for golf and its players, but for the broader sports community as well.
Isaac Umoru, representing St. Marks Golf & Country Club in Otukpo, Benue State, is the reigning champion of the tournament.
Umoru staged a remarkable comeback, finishing with a score of 74 for a total of +13 over par, culminating in a gross score of 226 to secure victory in the 54-hole championship by a margin of three shots over the determined Emmanuel Samuel.
Samuel concluded the tournament with a gross score of +16 over the three days, while Sola Ogunwoye claimed third place with a score of +17 over par. Olajide Owolabi finished fourth, ending with a total of +23 over the 54 holes.