300 golfers swing for honours at FirstBank Lagos open golf tourney Nov 17

Over 300 golfers are gearing up to compete at the 64th FirstBank Lagos Open Amateur Championship, scheduled to tee off from Monday, November 17, to Sunday, November 23, at the Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos. The week-long championship, which serves as one of the oldest competitions in the country, will feature professionals who will compete […]

Over 300 golfers are gearing up to compete at the 64th FirstBank Lagos Open Amateur Championship, scheduled to tee off from Monday, November 17, to Sunday, November 23, at the Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos.

The week-long championship, which serves as one of the oldest competitions in the country, will feature professionals who will compete for 32 holes, while amateur players engage in 18 holes.

Speaking at the press briefing held yesterday, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu, disclosed that the total prize reward for professional golfers has increased to N34.5m from N5m, stressing that the overall winner will receive N10m.

“We also raised the ProAm prize money shared among winners from N5 million to N34.5 million, with the 1st prize winner taking home N10,000,000 for a single day’s play, the biggest reward for the game of golf in Nigeria, elevating the championship and enhancing the development of professional golf within the region,” he said.

He expressed the bank’s commitment to the development of the sport, describing the age-long sponsorship as a reflection of building communities, driving inclusion, and deepening engagement through the bank’s First at Sport initiative, a platform that celebrates talent and promotes social impact through sport.

“Our sponsorship of the Lagos Open Amateur Golf Championship is not only about competition. The First at Sport initiative represents our broader vision of using sport as a bridge between business, lifestyle, and community engagement, embodied in this championship, which reinforces our leadership as the foremost promoter of golf in Nigeria and Africa.

“Serving as a symbol of excellence, prestige, and sporting heritage, we are not just talking about another tournament, we are celebrating a tradition that has grown stronger with every part, every partnership, and every generation of golfers who continue to keep this tournament alive,” he added.

The Chairman, Ikoyi Club 1938, Akinwunmi Akintola, appreciated the bank’s continued support for the competition, saying it has been a major pipeline to unearth talents and a backbone for professional golfers.

 

“One of the prestigious and enduring tournaments in the history of Ikoyi Club 1938, over the years, FirstBank has been on a steadfast path and a true friend of the club. Their continued support and commitment to this tournament have helped sustain it as a highlight of our sporting calendar.

 

“The relationship between Ikoyi Club and FirstBank has built and shared value, integrity, excellence, and service to the community,” he said.