About 250 golfers across the country would participate in the 6th edition of the Insurance Open Golf Tournament scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State.

The three-day tournament is scheduled for September 20 to 22, at the Ibadan Golf Club.

Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Olatunde Agbeja, stated this at a news conference on Wednesday in Ibadan.

He said that the competition has come to stay in spite of the years of delay due to some challenges.

Agbeja, a former captain of the club, said the 5th edition was held in 2019 due to the COVID-19. He said that it also extended to 2020 also as a result of the economic crisis that led to poor support from sponsors.

The chairman said that more insurance officials would be participating in this year`s edition, saying that there is more turnout of active insurance professionals this year.

He said, “We are eager to showcase the game of golf, and we are expecting about 250 participants, which includes 25 females. There will be 15 professionals and 225 male golfers from all over the country. We wanted more but had to limit the intake due to the weather. There will be trophies for the winners and nothing less than 25 winners in about eight to nine categories. The top winners will also get well-packaged gifts.’’

He said that 17 companies had confirmed their readiness to support the tournament.

He stated, “The tourney has come to stay, and we look forward to a roaring success this year.’’

Captain of the Club, Seyi Alaba, who is excited with the return of the tournament, lauded the initiator and the sponsors in spite of the economic difficulties in the country.

He said, “I thank the LOC Chairman for standing firm and making the tournament a reality in spite of all hurdles. Insurance Open is one of the club`s biggest competitions that every golfer in the South-West looks forward to, and the return brings a lot of joy to everyone. It is a good thing happening to IGC as we are leveraging on other organisations to push the corporate image of the club.’’

Also speaking, the competition secretary, Bunmi Oladimeji, said he’s delighted about the forthcoming event.

She said that more than 150 entries were received within 24 hours, adding that it was a great encouragement.

He said, “Our course is ready, and we have loads of fun in the competition. I thank the chairman of the LOC for bringing this tourney back. I will be the first competition secretary to host another one.’’

(NAN)