The prestigious IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja is buzzing with excitement as the 26th edition of the IBB International Golf Ladies Open Tournament begins.

With the theme, “The Abuja Experience,” this year’s tournament has attracted 450 golfers from 50 clubs across Nigeria, along with international players from Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Unveiling the event in Abuja, Lady Captain Dame Julie Donli highlighted the tournament’s significance beyond competition, calling it a platform for fostering camaraderie, promoting excellence, and inspiring the next generation of female golfers.

“Over the years, this tournament has grown in significance, fostering camaraderie, promoting excellence in women’s golf, and inspiring the next generation of female golfers. It is our goal to continuously elevate the standard of this event and to create opportunities for more women to participate and enjoy the sport,” she stated.

She also expressed gratitude to sponsors and partners whose unwavering support has been instrumental in keeping the tradition alive.

“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our sponsors, partners, and everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this edition possible. Your unwavering support has been instrumental to the success of this tournament. We are grateful to all who have travelled from various locations, even those based in Abuja.”

With the competition set to unfold over the next three days, she urged participants to embody the spirit of fair play, friendship, and excellence.

The tournament’s inclusivity was further emphasized by the Chief Executive Officer of Elite Global Golf Academy, Uloma Ogbuokiri, who shed light on the diverse categories of participants.

“We are also expecting about 200 ladies. So in that category, we have different categories. We have the female pros. We have those in the main event playing off handicap zero to 18, and we have the division 2, 19 to 28 handicap.

“We have the veterans and super veterans. We have what we call a special category that is our own way of accommodating those who are starting. So the tournament is inclusive. We all know golf takes care of everybody.”

She emphasized that women’s inclusion in golf is growing and that all participants, regardless of skill level, have a place in the tournament.

“The major thing is we are having women inclusion, all the ladies, irrespective of your category, you’ll be participating, and we are looking forward to a world standard golfing within these three days, and those who perform well will be rated according to World Golf ranking.”

Adding to the excitement, Evelyn Oyome, President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) and a member of Ikoyi Club 1938, highlighted the global relevance of the tournament.

“The 26th edition of the IBB Ladies Golf and Country Club Open is a world-ranking event. For those who don’t know, a world-ranking tournament requires 54 holes to be played over three days.”

She also acknowledged the presence of top-ranked female golfers from within and outside Nigeria, including Ehizi Bin Adolo from Benin Golf Club.

“We are excited to have top-ranked female golfers from within and outside Nigeria. One of our own, Ehizi Bin Adolo from Benin Golf Club, is among the ranked participants. This tournament stands out from other ladies’ open events because IBB Golf Club was the first to introduce world-ranking tournaments in Nigeria.

“We did not have ranked female golfers, but now, some of our participants have progressed to professional status, including Richard Danduma from this prestigious golf club.”

As the competition unfolds, Oyome also called on the media to amplify the voices of female golfers, ensuring their growing presence in the sport receives the recognition it deserves.

“We want the world to know that women are making their mark in golf. We play golf, we live golf, and we love golf.”

With three days of intense competition ahead, the IBB International Golf Ladies Open continues to set the stage for African women in golf to shine on the world stage.