FirstBank has increased the stakes for the 65th edition of the Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship, announcing a total prize purse of ₦34.5 million for the professional category.
The championship is scheduled to begin on November 16, 2026, at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos. The winner of the professional category will receive ₦10 million, making the competition an important opportunity for professional golfers to compete for a substantial cash prize.
The announcement was made during a pre-tournament briefing in Lagos, where organisers outlined the programme for the annual competition.
The event is sponsored by FirstBank of Nigeria Limited and remains one of the established competitions on Nigeria’s golf calendar.
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Tournament activities and schedule
The organisers have planned several activities ahead of the main championship.
The programme will begin with a caddie competition on November 16. This will be followed by the Championship Kitty on Wednesday.
The Corporate Challenge for Charity is scheduled for Thursday, November 19, while the main amateur championship will take place from November 20 to 22.
The main amateur competition will be played over 54 holes and is open to golfers with handicaps ranging from zero to nine.
The professional category will carry the ₦34.5 million prize purse, with the champion receiving ₦10 million.
The different activities are expected to bring together professional golfers, amateur players, corporate participants and other members of the golfing community.
FirstBank reaffirms support for golf development
Speaking at the briefing, FirstBank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting golf and the development of sports in Nigeria.
Alebiosu was represented by Nnaemeka Ejeh, Group Executive, Commercial Banking, South Division.
He explained that golf reflects values that are important to the bank, including discipline, patience, strategic thinking and commitment to excellence.
He also noted that the sport involves more than achieving good scores. According to him, focus, fair play, integrity and consistency are important parts of the game.
The bank’s continued sponsorship of the championship reflects its interest in supporting sporting activities and providing platforms where athletes can demonstrate their abilities.
Ikoyi Club highlights championship’s importance
The Chairman of Ikoyi Club 1938, Akinwumi Akintola, described the 65th edition as an important milestone.
He said the competition represents the consistency and investment required to sustain a major sporting event over many years.
The Captain of the club’s Golf Section, Afolabi Balogun, also described the championship as more than an annual competition. He said it has become an important platform for developing golf in Nigeria.
The championship’s long history has helped establish it as a recognised event within the country’s golfing community.
Its return also provides opportunities for golfers to compete, improve their performances and gain experience against other players.
International recognition for amateur competition
The Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship is certified by the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), an international ranking system for amateur golfers.
The certification gives the amateur competition an international ranking connection and adds to its importance for players seeking to build their competitive records.
The 2026 edition is expected to attract attention from golfers and supporters as the organisers prepare for the November programme.
With a ₦34.5 million professional prize purse and a ₦10 million reward for the winner, this year’s championship will place significant attention on the professional category.
The event also demonstrates the role corporate sponsorship can play in sustaining sporting competitions and supporting the growth of golf in Nigeria.
As preparations continue, golfers and organisers will be looking towards November 16, when the championship activities are scheduled to begin at Ikoyi Club 1938.
