Top 10 events that defined golf in Nigeria in 2025

Golf in Nigeria experienced a transformative year in 2025, shaped by landmark tournaments, standout individual performances, expanding commercial and regional footprints, and a major institutional disruption. Collectively, these moments influenced participation, visibility, governance, and investment in the sport. Below are the 10 key events that defined Nigerian golf in 2025 1. Olapade triumphs at Lakowe […]

Golf in Nigeria experienced a transformative year in 2025, shaped by landmark tournaments, standout individual performances, expanding commercial and regional footprints, and a major institutional disruption.

Collectively, these moments influenced participation, visibility, governance, and investment in the sport.

Below are the 10 key events that defined Nigerian golf in 2025

1. Olapade triumphs at Lakowe

Nigerian professional Sunday Olapade won the 2025 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic, finishing 10-under par to claim a major title and significant prize money. The victory further established his standing among Nigeria’s elite professional golfers and enhanced the tournament’s prestige.

2. Epe claims CIO Title

Francis Epe emerged winner of the 6th CIO Golf Classic at Python Golf Club, Port Harcourt, outplaying a field of over 100 local and international golfers across four days. The event reinforced Port Harcourt’s growing importance on Nigeria’s professional golf circuit.

3. Ikoyi Ladies mark 50 years

The Ikoyi Ladies Golf Club celebrated its 50th anniversary with a high-profile open amateur tournament in Lagos. Golfers from 11 countries participated, highlighting the longevity and influence of women’s golf in Nigeria.
4. Nigeria Cup holds at Ikoyi

The Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament retained its place as a major annual fixture, staging its 2025 edition at Ikoyi Club 1938 in September. The event continued to blend competition with national pride and cultural heritage.

5. Port Harcourt Amateur Open returns

The Port Harcourt Amateur Open Golf Championship made a strong return in October 2025, boosting grassroots participation and sports tourism in Rivers State while showcasing emerging amateur talent from across the country.
6. NBCC Golf drives business links

The 11th Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Golf tournament combined sport with corporate networking, attracting policymakers and executives from about 25 companies and strengthening Nigeria–UK business relations through golf.
7. N30m boost for Lakowe Classic

Beyond competition, the Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic drew attention for its N30 million prize pool, attracting top Nigerian professionals and continental invitees. The purse reflected growing commercial confidence in elite golf events in Nigeria.
8. Ilorin Pro-Am Expands Reach

The 2nd ICMA Pro-Am Open Championship in Ilorin featured nearly 300 professionals and amateurs, with a N15 million prize fund. The tournament highlighted golf’s expanding geographic footprint beyond traditional hubs.
9. Record N50m prize purse at eTranzact Golf Classic

The tournament raised the bar for professional golf in Nigeria with a record N50 million prize purse, the largest on the local tour. Hosted in June at Lakowe Lakes Golf Club, it drew top professionals from 11 African countries and underscored a significant surge in corporate backing.

10. IBB Golf Club shut down

In April 2025, the Federal Government shut down the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, following a leadership and governance crisis. Security operatives sealed the facility, with authorities indicating the closure could extend into 2026 as restructuring and renovations are undertaken. The shutdown significantly disrupted golf activities in the Federal Capital Territory.

In summary, 2025 reflected both progress and turbulence for Nigerian golf which was defined by competitive excellence, wider participation, increased investment, and a major institutional setback that dominated national discourse around the sport.