Over 350 Golfers Set to Compete in Uyo for Ibom Open 2026

Over 350 golfers from Nigeria and beyond are ready to compete in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The 2026 Ibom Open will kick off on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

This tournament started in 2023 as an international amateur golf event. It will last until Sunday, June 7, 2026.

At a media event on Tuesday at the Ibom Golf Course, Hon. Usenobong Akpabio, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, said this tournament is more than just another edition. It is a chance for golfers to discover new opportunities and make the most of the event.

Akpabio called this year’s championship prize “fantastic.” He mentioned that Uganda Airlines is offering a business-class return ticket for the winners to fly to any destination they choose.

He said, “It will interest you to know that just like last year, when we opened the portal for registration, we were targeting about 250 participants, and within one week over 200 had registered.

“This year, we were targeting 300 participants, and within one week 350 had registered. We still have people lining up and waiting to be part of this tournament.

“The championship prize this year is fantastic. Uganda Airlines has given a business-class ticket to winners to fly anywhere the airline operates, it could be London, Uganda, or any other destination. That is a big plus for this year’s tournament.”

Mr Isua Archibong, the Captain of Ibom Golf and Country Club, also spoke at the briefing. He said he is pleased with the event, noting that it supports the ARISE Agenda of the current administration.

Archibong explained that the tournament is not just about golf. It also helps to promote Akwa Ibom as the golf destination in West Africa.

“The golf course has remained one of the vehicles in driving the ARISE Agenda. We have taken golf to a different dimension. It is not only about coming here to play golf; we are showcasing Akwa Ibom as the golf destination in West Africa. This is the best place to be in terms of anything that has to do with golf,” he said.

In his comments, Mr Ubong Ekwere, a representative of Ship Afrika, one of the tournament’s sponsors, said they aim to boost tourism and encourage economic growth in the state.