Stakeholders have said that the qualifiers for the Qatar 2026 Golf Tournament, tagged the Sun Open 2026, scheduled for the Ibadan Golf Club, would spotlight young golfers.

The stakeholders said this on Thursday at a news conference in Ibadan to announce the tournament schedule for January 23 to 25.

The director of the High Performance Centre Sports Leadership Hub, Bob Olukoya, who is also coordinating Nigeria’s participation in the Sun Open 2026, said that winners from the qualifying tournament would have the opportunity to showcase their skills on a global platform.

Mr Olukoya said the tournament aims to discover young golfers, adding that a 17-year-old girl who competed in the tournament in Qatar in 2025 is now studying in the United States on a golf scholarship.

He said that over 100 golfers from Nigeria and other parts of Africa have registered to compete, and that four finalists will represent Nigeria in April at the Doha Golf Club in Qatar.

“We want to show the world that we have golfers who can compete with others. We are excited to host this year’s qualifiers at the prestigious Ibadan Golf Club.

“The last one was in Port Harcourt at Python Golf Club, and the winner of the qualifier will represent Nigeria at the Qatar Open Golf Championship on April 2 to April 4, 2026, at the Doha Golf Club in Qatar.

“We are fortunate that the governor of the state is a golfer, and several key cabinet members are also golfers. So, the government is 100 per cent behind this unique event,” he said.

Mr Olukoya explained that the three-day qualifiers would feature men’s, ladies’, and junior categories.

According to him, January 22 has been set aside as a practice day for participants from outside Nigeria or other states.

He said that this was to give those unfamiliar with the Ibadan course a chance to acclimatise before the competition.

“There are many prizes to be won. We have awards for the longest drive (male and female), nearest to the pin (male and female), best finisher by handicap, and best gross finisher.

“The ladies’ category will also qualify for the Celebrity Golf Challenge in November 2026, which is separate from the men’s competition in Qatar,” Mr Olukoya said.

Also, the captain of Ibadan Golf Club, Seyi Alaba, said the qualifying tournament would significantly boost the state’s economy, particularly in sports and hospitality, as many golfers and dignitaries from around the world were expected to attend.

He said that the club’s management had made adequate arrangements to ensure a hitch-free competition and provide for the maximum welfare of participants.

“We have hosted numerous events to promote golf, raise awareness of its benefits, and develop young talent. I believe this qualifying competition will complement our efforts,” the IGC captain  said.

The chairman of the Oyo State Golf Association, Moses Ojo, lauded the coordinator for bringing the tournament to Ibadan Golf Club and noted that it would bring many benefits to the Oyo state golfing community.

“We have been working for the past few weeks to ensure our course is ready, and as of today, it is,” he said. 

(NAN)