Amateur golfers will compete for honours at the 65th FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship scheduled for November 16 to 22 at the Ikoyi Club 1938, Lagos.

The seven-day tournament will feature professional golfers, amateurs across different handicap categories and corporate participants.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, stated this at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.

Mr Alebiosu, represented by the Group Executive, Commercial Banking South Division, Nnaemeka Ejeh, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to golf development and the promotion of sporting talents in Nigeria.

The competition is organised under FirstBank’s “Let’s Play Golf” initiative.

The championship is one of the longest-running amateur golf competitions on Nigeria’s golfing calendar.

Mr Alebiosu said the bank had promoted golf for over six decades through its sponsorship of the championship and other golfing events.

He said that golf promotes discipline, patience, strategic thinking, professionalism, integrity and excellence, values which also define the bank.

“Our investment in golf and other sporting events is driven through the ‘First at Sport’ platform, through which FirstBank continues to support sports development and sporting talents across the country,” he stated.

He added that the bank remained committed to using sports as a tool for community development and national cohesion.

Mr Alebiosu said the championship had evolved over its 65 years, providing young African golfers with opportunities to showcase their talents and earn ranking points.

He disclosed that the tournament would offer a total prize purse of ₦34 million, with the winner receiving ₦10 million.

He added that the Corporate Golf Challenge would bring organisations together to raise funds for charity, with the proceeds doubled and returned to society.

According to him, the championship also features mentorship programmes and clinics aimed at training young aspiring golfers.

“We expect a very good event, with emerging talents, networking opportunities and exciting competition,” he said.

Professional golfer and defending champion, Monday Eze, commended FirstBank for raising the winner’s prize in the professional category to ₦10 million.

Mr Eze described the increase as a major boost to professional golfers and an incentive for upcoming amateurs to pursue careers in the sport.

He recalled finishing fifth at his first appearance as an amateur but remained determined to improve.

He said he later won the tournament in subsequent editions, while his cousin also claimed the title twice, making it a family affair for four years.

Mr Eze added that after turning professional, FirstBank announced the ₦10 million prize for professional winners, describing the decision as a major motivation.

“We were shocked that day. It was a very big move by FirstBank, and I sincerely appreciate the bank for it,” he said.

He noted that the increased prize money encouraged young amateur golfers to aspire to win the tournament and turn professional.

The defending champion thanked FirstBank and its supporting team for their continued investment in the competition.

He expressed confidence in retaining his title, saying: “This year, I am coming back again, by God’s grace.”

Captain of Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf Section, Afolabi Balogun, said the tournament had continued to promote excellence, sportsmanship and friendly competition among golfers.

He noted that the championship also provided an opportunity to celebrate the enduring spirit of golf and strengthen relationships among players.

Mr Balogun congratulated FirstBank on its 65 years of commitment to golf, describing its contribution as an enduring legacy in the development of the sport.

Similarly, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Arago Consulting, Ayo Adegboye, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to its three-year partnership with FirstBank for the annual championship.

Mr Adegboye said the partnership was aimed at giving back to society and promoting golf development.

“Our commitment to FirstBank and the golf championship every year is intentional,” he said.

He pledged continued support for future editions and expressed confidence in Arago’s team ahead of this year’s competition.

Mr Adegboye also urged players to uphold the values of the game, stressing the importance of fun and integrity.

“Golf is a game of fun and integrity. These are the values we want to be known for,” he said.

He commended FirstBank and the organisers for sustaining the championship.

The championship will also feature a Corporate Golf Challenge, with defending champions expected to compete. 

(NAN)