Tag: GOLF

Nigeria’s professional golf prodigy, Francis Epe, has secured a spot in the 2026 Magical Kenya Open, a flagship event on the DP World Tour, scheduled for February 19–22 at Karen Country Club in Nairobi, Kenya.

Epe earned his qualification by emerging as the champion of the 6^th  CIO Golf Classic, held in November 2025 at the Python Golf Club in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The tournament featured a competitive field of over 100 players and offered a $50, 000 prize purse.

The CIO Championship holds special significance as the only event of its kind in West Africa integrated into the Safari Tour mini-league qualification system.

Through this pathway, top performers across select Safari Tour-affiliated events accumulate points, with top finishers securing one of two exemption tickets to the $2.7 million Magical Kenya Open—one of the few DP World Tour events hosted in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Read Also: EPL: Aston Villa beat Newcastle 2-0 to keep title hopes alive

The Magical Kenya Open represents a major platform for African talent to compete on the global stage. The second ticket was claimed by Rwandan professional Celestin Nsanzuwera.

Chief Ikenna Okafor, a passionate golfer and the CEO of Keeves Global Leasing—who has sponsored and funded the CIO Championship since its inception—hailed Epe’s achievement as a landmark moment for Nigerian professional golf.

 “This success marks a major milestone for Nigeria’s professional golf scene,” Okafor said.

 “It demonstrates that it is both more accessible and more progressive for our players to earn tickets to international events through strong local tournaments. By building these pathways at home, we are nurturing talent, raising standards, and positioning Nigeria as a growing force in African and global golf.”

He further said that the CIO Championship will further elevate the event, including intentions to increase the prize purse in future editions to create even more opportunities for local and regional professional golfers.

The Magical Kenya Open, with its $2.7 million total prize fund, continues to showcase the best of African and international golf, drawing competitors from across the continent and beyond.

Keeves Global Leasing is a leading financial services provider committed to supporting sports development and youth empowerment in Nigeria, with a special focus on golf through the CIO Championship.

The prestigious Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo Toyota Golf Tournament is expected  to  hold  between  November 7 and 8 at the world-class Smokin Hills Golf Resort, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.

After a five-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament returns with renewed vigour and exciting enhancements.

Staged consistently by Toyota (Nigeria) Limited since its inception, the tournament is held in honour of the late Chief (Mrs.) Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo, a woman of remarkable virtue whose legacy continues to inspire excellence especially among women in sports.

 “The Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo Toyota Golf Tournament is more than a sporting event — it is a celebration of legacy, integrity, and enduring values,” said  Kunle Ade-Ojo, Managing Director of Toyota (Nigeria) Limited. “This year’s edition promises an unforgettable experience for all participants and guests.”

In a major highlight for 2025, the Hole-in-One prize money has been doubled from ₦5 million to ₦10 million, reflecting Toyota’s commitment to raising the stakes and enhancing the prestige of the tournament.

Read Also: First Bank launches all-round digital centre at BUK

The event will adopt the Shotgun Start format as in previous editions, offering a dynamic and synchronized start to the invitational tournament.

The tournament schedule   would see Professional golfers from across Nigeria taking  on the challenging Smokin Hills course from 7:00 AM on November 7 while the amateur men and women golfers  would showcase their skills on November 8 starting at  7:00 AM.

The event will  conclude with a gala night on November 8 where there would be prize presentation and celebration of winners  along with other  dignitaries.

In keeping with tradition, Toyota (Nigeria) Limited will showcase a selection of its latest vehicle models at the event, offering guests a first-hand experience of Toyota’s innovation and craftsmanship

A key moment during the Gala Night will be the presentation of the “Amiable Woman of the Tournament” award — a special recognition created to honour the memory of Chief (Mrs.) Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo and promote the spirit of excellence among women golfers.

 “This award is symbolic of the values she stood for and serves to encourage more women to participate in and contribute to the game of golf,” added Mr. Ade-Ojo.

The Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo Toyota Golf Tournament continues to be a landmark event, bringing together Nigeria’s golfing elite, dignitaries, and corporate leaders in a celebration of sport, legacy and community.

First Bank’s sponsored Python Amateur Golf Open Championship has attracted 300 players from within and outside the country to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Speaking at the Port Harcourt Golf Course, the Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, said the bank would also host the 65^th  edition of its Lagos Open Golf Tournament on 20^th  November.

He underscored the bank’s commitment to supporting sports development in the country emphasising the importance of sports in nation-building and societal development.

Alebiosu said apart from golf, the bank was also sponsoring other sporting events such as football, basketball, tennis and polo.

He said: “Golf is not about being rich. I started playing golf when I was a nobody. The basic thing is buying the club, and some of us started with second-hand clubs.

Read Also: Golf: Olapade, Okoko reign supreme at Lakowe Classic

“It’s about sport and golf. At First Bank, we support sports across the country. Today is about golf, next week Sunday it will be about polo in Kaduna . We have been doing that for over a century.

“In November we are going to see golf in Lagos specifically that is about on the 20^th November  where we are doing the 65^th  edition of our golf tournament in Lagos. It is called Lagos Open, players come  all over the world to  come and play in Lagos Open”.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr Raphael Onoshakpo, said the Port Harcourt Open was a seven-day competition produced winners, who received various gifts.

Onoshakpo attributed the growing interest in golf to the lockdown period, saying it saw a surge in people taking up the sport.

He noted that the Python Golf Club had become a major hub for golfing, with a full training facility that had churned out over 200 new golfers in the past.

• By Victor Oguntade

The stage is set for the maiden edition of Nigeria Maritime  Golf  Challenge  scheduled to hold Thursday at the prestigious Golf Course of Ikoyi Club 1938.

The tournament which was aimed to celebrate the World Maritime Day will attract 81 golfers across the country in what is called gathering of best golfers .

The chief executive officer QUBES LLC,  Lanre Bayewu, the organisers of the one-day Maritime Golf Challenge while addressing the media ahead of Thursday’s event said: “the event is organized to commemorate the World Maritime Day (September 25th) under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” and will to showcase Nigeria’s maritime industry through sport. A total of 81 golfers have registered and confirmed their participation in the championship. “

Read Also: FIFA to distribute record $355 million to clubs for 2026 World Cup

Bayewu added: “The tournament will feature seven competitive categories: Longest Drive (All participants), Nearest Pin (Male and Female), Female Winners (Winner and 1^st  Runner-up), Veterans Category (Winner, Runner-up, and 2^nd  Runner-up), General Category Winner Net (Winner, 1st Runner-up, and 2^nd  Runner-up), Maritime Category Winner (Winner, 1^st  Runner-up, and 2^nd  Runner-up), and Overall Best Gross. All winners will receive trophies, with cash prizes also expected to be awarded across the competitive categories.

 “The tournament structure accommodates golfers of various skill levels and ensures broad participation from both maritime industry professionals and the wider golfing community.”
According to Bayewu, the event will feature guest appearances from top executives and management of Nigeria’s leading maritime agencies, including representatives from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

 “The tournament represents a strategic initiative to project the Nigerian maritime industry onto both global and sporting stages as a key sector in the nation’s economic development. The event creates networking opportunities and strengthens professional relationships within the maritime community,” he noted.

Lakowe Lakes Golf Club has announced over N30m naira purse to be won at the upcoming 2025 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic, with 30 of the topmost professional players in the country and invited players across Africa on parade. The event will tee off from Friday September 26^th  to Sunday  28^th  in Lagos

According to Femi Olagbenro, Golf Manager at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate, “The Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic is themed The Emerald Invitational, and It underscores our commitment to hosting world-class events and positioning our facility as a hub for golf development. We are excited to bring together some of the best golfers in the country to compete at the highest level.”

The tournament will be staged on the both the Par 3 course, and the Par 72 Championship Lakowe Lakes Golf Course. This year’s event is supported by Oando Nigeria, GAC Motors, Providus Bank, ARM Holding Company, Mixtafrica, Newmark, International Breweries and many more.

The event will feature amateur members and guest players, who will have the unique opportunity to swing alongside the professionals in the last two rounds. This format promises to create an exciting atmosphere, with players getting a to the hospitality of Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate with potpourri of events scheduled for the weekend.

Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic is part of the larger “Escape To The Green” initiative, an annual luxury hospitality experience that has become a staple of the Lakowe Golf Estate calendar. This year’s ETTG is scheduled along with Nigeria’s Independence anniversary weekend, featuring a range of entertainment and engagement activities that promise to make it an unforgettable experience.

Read Also: Polo royals brace for 2023 Kano Polo Tournament

The weekend’s schedule of activities enhances the Emerald Invitational with a vibrant mix of events. On Friday, September 26, the festivities begin with the “Verse and Vibes Night,” featuring poetry and live music, followed by the “Poolside Pulse Party” with DJ Nana. The golf tournament runs from Friday to Sunday, with the professional and amateur play unfolding across the Par 3 and Championship courses.

On Saturday, September 27, the “Owambe Royale Emerald Gala” showcases African opulence with performances by Johnny Drille, Folagade Banks, Layi Wasabi, IBQUAKE, OB Nelson, Serenade Jazz Band, and Lilian Yeri Dance World, hosted by comedian Kie Kie. Throughout the weekend, curated leisure activities include pontoon boat rides, sip & paint sessions, pottery and candle-making workshops, caricature drawing, archery, and tennis, ensuring a rich experience for all attendees.

“We are thrilled to be hosting this event during Nigeria’s Independence weekend, and we invite golf enthusiasts and music lovers alike to come and experience the best of what Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate has to offer,” added Olagbenro.

The 2025 edition of the International Pairs Golf Competition wrapped up thrillingly over the weekend at the prestigious Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, with the duo of Julius Fadairo and Esset Udeme clinching the top prize.

Read Also: NFF mourns legendary  ‘Professor’ Monday Sinclair

The pair emerged as champions after posting a combined total of 74 stableford points over 36 holes.

Seplat Energy and its joint venture partner, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), two of the biggest players in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, have thrown their weight behind Falcon Golf Development Company (FGDC), organizers of the globally renowned International Pairs golf competition.

The 2025 edition is scheduled to take place from July 11 to 13 at the prestigious Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Other sponsors for this year’s event include Pepsi, Suzuki by CFAO, RwandAir, and True Blue Energy, according to FGDC’s Chief Executive Officer, Remi Olukoya.

Speaking to journalists, Olukoya confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a seamless and exciting tournament. “This year’s edition promises to be fun-filled, both on and off the course,” he said.

Read Also: Wike okays urgent renovation of IBB Golf Club Abuja

He further explained that the choice of Uyo as the host city was deliberate: “The aim is to give participants a fresh and memorable experience. The 2025 International Pairs will be unlike any previous edition, with a unique blend of competitive golf and vibrant social activities.”

Olukoya expressed deep appreciation to all sponsors for their continued support and collaboration with FGDC.

He also revealed that the winners of the Nigeria National Finals will go on to represent the country at the World Finals, which will take place at the iconic Sun City Resort in South Africa, a luxurious destination renowned for its adventure offerings and world-class golf courses, including the legendary Gary Player Country Club and the family-friendly Lost City Golf Course in October 6-10, 2025.

The third instalment of the South Africa’s Cup, an18-hole golf tournament, is set to take place on Sunday, May 4^th, at the Golf Section of Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos, as part of South Africa Week celebrating 31 years of the country’s  freedom and democracy.

Managed by Crossflex Nigeria Limited and supported by a coalition of leading sponsors, including AB Inbev, Movenpick, Glenfiddich, FoodCo, Federal Place Hotel, Jungle Filmworks, Frosty Bite, 1860 Travels, Mikano Motors, Acutech Support Systems, Checkoff, Q-shop, Pepsi, Kaldi Africa, and Guinea Insurance, the third edition of this acclaimed tournament continues to forge stronger ties between the Nigerian and South African business communities.

The South Africa’s Cup brings together amateur golfers from Nigeria and South Africa business communities, including prominent business leaders and community figures, for a day of sport and networking on the golf course.

As part of the South Africa Week, the tournament has earned wide acclaim for fostering bilateral partnerships and celebrating South Africa’s democratic milestone. Its elegant setting and high-profile participation make it a highlight for golf enthusiasts and a catalyst for economic collaboration.

Read Also: Wike appoints members of IBB Golf Club Interim Management Board

Consular General Professor Bobby Moore emphasized the event’s significance, stating, “The South Africa’s Cup is key to fostering the already cordial tie between the two critical economies of the continent, and its impact reverberates deeper into other aspects that have driven deeper integration of the two economies.” He further commended the organizers, adding, “We commend Crossflex Nigeria Limited for their innovative approach, which has elevated the South Africa’s Cup into a premier platform for unity and collaboration.”

Supported by an impressive coalition of Nigerian and international brands, the 2025 South Africa’s Cup is a testament to the shared commitment to unity, economic integration, and community development.

The tournament also plays a vital role in promoting tourism, cultural engagement, and sporting excellence, further solidifying its place as a key fixture during South Africa Week.

The South African Consulate General in Lagos, in partnership with Crossflex International will host the South African Golf Tournament at Ikoyi Golf Club on Sunday, April 28th,  to mark the 30th  anniversary of freedom and democracy as well as 30 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between South Africa and Nigeria.

Tolu Adesemowo, Managing Director of Crossflex and coordinator of the event, said the event will feature over 100 players. The event debuted last year as the South Africa Consul General Cup.

“Last year’s edition of the event, left an impression on the players; especially fun and the atmosphere it created among the diplomatic community. There was a compelling need for it to make a return for the freshness it brings to golf in Ikoyi and the diplomatic circle,” he said. 

Adesemowo said that this year’s event, like its previous edition, will feature top amateur players at the Ikoyi Club 1938, both males and females vying for honour with the Stableford scoring system.

 “The event will see a “short-gun” tee-off, with all the players setting out from each of the 18 holes simultaneously. This would help us manage the huge entry that has signed on for the event, and also help manage the closing ceremony later in the event.”

Read Also: Pacesetter Epe wins inaugural Acropolis golf tourney 

The event is sponsored by Geregu Power PLC,Qshop,Pepsi, Acutech, Kaldi Africa, Simplygolf apparel will be an 18-hole Stableford game where both men and lady golfers will vie for honours.

Professor Bobby Moroe, the Consul General South Africa in Lagos, earlier endorsed the appointment of Crossflex International Nigeria Limited as a partner. In his statement  he said,”we are excited and proud to partner with Crossflex International, one amongst the reputable private golfing agencies in Nigeria. Sports diplomacy,  in particular, golf, is a crescendo to harness partnerships and promote enduring relationships amongst the golfing community”.

The event is set as part of the South African Week Celebrations in Nigeria and will be one of the major events in celebrating the 30th year of independence for the Rainbow nation since apartheid was abolished.

Other auxiliary prizes including longest-drive, nearest to the pin, and 30th place finish will be rewarded at the event.

Top West African professional golfers are signing up for the 2nd  Custodian Classic billed for Lakowe Lakes Golf Club between  March 27th and 29th  in Lagos ahead of other events in the region.

Francis Epe, Ikoyi-based current order of Merit leader for the PGA (professional Golfers’ Association) of Nigeria, said  he and some of his colleagues have pulled their entry from a major engagement in the Central African country of Gabon to be at the Custodian Classic.

“The PGD (Professional Golf Developmental) Tour events are highly respected and have more challenging, more players would prefer to play them rather than be in other events,” he said.

Epe, who has won three events on the PGD Tour and presently leads the season from his win at the first event of the year, The Meristem Open, said the Custodian Classic has eluded him and has become a major target for him. “I am practicing very hard, and keeping my form for the event. I know it won’t be easy, because of the level of players that have registered so far, but I will keep my focus and hope to add this title to my victories,” he said.

Femi Olagbenro, PGD Tour’s Commissioner, said that the event has attracted top players from Nigeria and Ghana; which represent the top professional golf countries in the region.

Read Also: No ransom paid for school children’s release – Fed Govt

 “Nigeria and Ghana’s top stars have dominated the entries for the event so far. We have players like Olapade Sunday, Francis Epe, Gift Willy, and Mike Ubi from Nigeria, while Kojo Barnie, Emos Korblah, and Barry Yaw lead Ghana’s entry.  We have also had entries from Cote D’Ivoire and Cameroon which goes to confirm the acceptance of the Tour’s activities across the continent.”

Wole Oshin, the Group Managing Director of Custodian Investment PLC had announced that the price purse for the event has been increased to 20 million naira in order  to make  the competition more attractive as a Pan-African event.

“From the feedback, more players are showing more interest in the event across the continent. The increase in the purse is to make the economies of featuring for other nationalities worth the while.”

The maiden edition was won by Ghana’s Vincent Torgah at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos after a three-way tie on the final day that included Gift Willy and Olapade Sunday.