200 amateur golfers are set to compete at the 63rd annual FirstBank Golf Lagos Open, from Nov. 18 to 24 at the Ikoyi Club 1938 golf section.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos, Olusegun Alebiosu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) FirstBank Nigeria Ltd., appreciated the Management of Ikoyi Club1938 for their collaboration and support.
Alebiosu, represented by Patrick Iyamabo, Chief Financial Officer, FirstBank, said the bank provided a steady platform to attract the best amateur golfers, locally and internationally.
He added that, as an aspirational sport, golfing cuts across age, gender, culture, language, beliefs, social status, and differing abilities.
Alebiosu said that there was no better place to build, deepen, and strengthen relationships than on the golf course.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship is a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) event, administered by the Royal & Ancient (R&A) Golf Club and United States Golf Association (USGA).
NAN also reports that this makes the championship one of the international golf events where all amateur golfers worldwide can participate and amass points to aid their WAGR rankings.
According to Alebiosu, this status has given it a heightened level of recognition in amateur golf championships.
“The 2024 championship is expected to bring together both male and female golfers from all over the world,” he said.
Alebiosu noted that past winners of the Lagos Open Golf Championship received WAGR recognition and are now fully registered in the Hall of Fame.
According to him, FirstBank is reinforcing its dedication to empowering individuals and communities by providing opportunities for underprivileged caddies and golfers to enhance inclusivity and expand participation.
He said that the commitment would be demonstrated in this year’s Championship with two new components, ‘Search for a Star’ and the ‘Championship Kitty’.
The ‘Search For a Star’ targets 300 aspiring golfers from underprivileged backgrounds. The individuals, aged 18-30, currently work as caddies at Ikoyi Club.
“FirstBank will be providing this platform for these talented young golfers to shine, thereby nurturing the giants within them.
“The second sub-competition, the ‘Championship Kitty’, extends participation to golfers with Handicap 10 and above, promoting inclusivity.
“In addition to this year’s fascinating lineup of activities is providing the opportunity for participants to take part in the FirstBank’s customary Corporate Golf challenge for charity as part of the Start Performing Acts of Random Kindness (SPARK) initiative.
“Caddy’s Competition, Search for A Star; Professional Coaching clinics, including a session for children; various championships; and Beat-The-Pro longest drive, among many other activities.
“We will hold an award ceremony in honour of all the champions that emerge during the tournament,” he said.
The bank’s CEO congratulated past winners and champions while commending the amateur golfers who transitioned to professional golfers through their continuous participation at the tournaments.
Tunde Oni, the Vice Captain of Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf Club, appreciating the bank, noted that FirsgtBank had put in a tremendous effort in developing golf in the country for many decades.
“We appreciate your efforts in putting your resources together to promote and develop golf in the country,” Oni said.
Meanwhile, Isaac Umoru, a golfer with St. Marks Golf & Country Club, Otukpo, Benue, came from behind to win the 62nd edition of the Championship.
Umoru closed with 74 for +13 over the Course par for a total of 226 gross scores, winning the 54-hole Championship by three shots over hard-fighting Emmanuel Samuel.
Samuel grossed +16 over three days, while Sola Ogunwoye ducked in the third position at +17 over the course par. Olajide Owolabi came fourth, closing at +23 over 54 holes. (NAN)
