Preparations have reached top gear for the 51st edition of the Ikoyi Ladies Open golf tournament, with organisers promising a world-class showpiece scheduled to hold from 11th to 13th November 2026 at the Ikoyi Club 1938.
The press conference was graced by executive members and dignitaries of the club, including the Golf Club Captain, Mr Afolabi Balogun; Vice Captain, Mr Obinna Okoli; and Trustee, Mrs Bola Ondri. Also present were past lady captains, matrons, and representatives of key corporate sponsors, including Mrs Oluwatomi Bola-Sadipe and Mr Victor Ozotha of United Airlines, Madam Ntete Duke of ADL Solutions, Dr Sunny Enebeli of Zenith Bank, and KBL delegates Doris Okereke, Courage Joseph, Rebecca Mfon, and Debora Paulinus.
Speaking at the conference, Lady Captain Mrs Annie Enikhenena revealed that this year’s edition, themed “Enjoy Golf, Go Global”, aims to expose local golfers to international standards and elevate their world standing.
Addressing the inclusion of under-resourced and underprivileged players, Enikhenena emphasised that the club actively works with caddie communities within the golfing arena, creating opportunities and organising targeted tournaments to encourage young women and female caddies to refine their skills, improve their game, and compete on larger stages.
“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. She added that participants are expected from various Nigerian states alongside international entries 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 said, adding that the event will foster global friendships.
The Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Dr (Mrs) Karin Ekpe, highlighted 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, recalling that a golfer from Benin Club secured a WAGR ranking following last year’s event.
Outlining the schedule, Ekpe noted that Day 1 features 36 holes of stroke play for about 130 golfers across handicaps 1 to 36, with the 1–28 category open globally. Day 2 combines competition rounds for handicaps 1–28 with a special golf clinic for sponsors and guests, while Day 3 features the top 50 ladies, invited guests, and sponsors, concluding with a grand gala night.
United Airlines Regional Sales Manager, Mrs Oluwatomi Bola-Sadipe, announced that the overall gross winner will receive 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.