Preparations are in full swing for the 51st edition of the Ikoyi Ladies Open golf tournament. The event will take place from 11th to 13th November 2026 at the Ikoyi Club 1938. Organisers promise a world-class experience for all.
The press conference saw attendance from club executive members and dignitaries. Notable figures included Golf Club Captain Mr Afolabi Balogun, Vice Captain Mr Obinna Okoli, and Trustee Mrs Bola Ondri. Past lady captains, matrons, and representatives from major sponsors were also present, such as Mrs Oluwatomi Bola-Sadipe and Mr Victor Ozotha from United Airlines, Madam Ntete Duke from ADL Solutions, Dr Sunny Enebeli from Zenith Bank, and KBL delegates Doris Okereke, Courage Joseph, Rebecca Mfon, and Debora Paulinus.
Lady Captain Mrs Annie Enikhenena shared that this year’s theme is “Enjoy Golf, Go Global.” The goal is to help local golfers meet international standards and boost their global presence. Enikhenena highlighted the need to include under-resourced and underprivileged players.
She explained that the club is working with caddie communities to create chances for young women and female caddies. They plan to host targeted tournaments to help them enhance their skills and compete at higher levels. “The whole idea is to encourage our ladies to be playing at international levels. It is generally to up your game, improve your game, and take it to higher heights,” Enikhenena stated.
Participants will come from various Nigerian states and also internationally from Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Italy, and France. “We expect ladies to come with an open mind, come to compete. It is going to be a healthy competition,” she added, mentioning that the event will build global friendships.
The Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Dr (Mrs) Karin Ekpe, talked about the event’s World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) status. “This gives eligible amateur golfers the opportunity to compete for valuable world ranking points while further enhancing the tournament’s profile,” Ekpe explained. She recalled how a golfer from Benin Club earned a WAGR ranking after last year’s event.
Ekpe also shared details about the schedule. Day 1 will have 36 holes of stroke play for around 130 golfers with handicaps from 1 to 36. The 1, 28 category is open globally. On Day 2, there will be competition rounds for handicaps 1, 28 and a special golf clinic for sponsors and guests. Day 3 will feature the top 50 ladies, invited guests, and sponsors, ending with a grand gala night.
United Airlines Regional Sales Manager, Mrs Oluwatomi Bola-Sadipe, announced that the overall winner will get a return Business Class ticket to the United States. Other major sponsors supporting the tournament include Zenith Bank, ADL Solutions, Seplat Energy, Chevron, Flour Mills, and Nestle.
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