Nigeria’s long-running Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship will return to Ikoyi Club 1938 in November, with a 54-hole competition offering emerging players an opportunity to compete for the title and valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking points.
LAGOS, Nigeria — Preparations are underway for the 65th FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship, scheduled for November 16–22, 2026, at the Golf Section of Ikoyi Club 1938.
The seven-day programme will bring together competitive golf, coaching activities, a charity tournament and events supporting the development of amateur players and caddies.
The main championship begins on Friday, November 20, with three rounds of stroke play concluding on Sunday, November 22.
Organisers expect amateur golfers from Nigeria and other African countries to compete, although a confirmed player-entry list has not yet been published.
The tournament marks another milestone for FirstBank of Nigeria, which has supported the competition for 65 years.
Lagos Amateur Open Returns With World Ranking Opportunities
The championship is recognised by the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), giving eligible competitors an opportunity to improve their international standing through their performances.
For emerging Nigerian golfers, the competition provides a platform to test themselves against leading amateurs from across the region.
Ranking events can also help players develop competitive records as they pursue opportunities in international amateur golf.
The Lagos Amateur Open has played a longstanding role in that process.
One notable example is Peter Eben-Spiff, who became the first Nigerian golfer to appear in the World Amateur Golf Ranking following his victory at the championship’s 58th edition.
This year’s event will continue the tournament’s established 54-hole format, with competitors required to maintain consistent performances over three rounds.
Babatunde Oyalami’s 2025 Victory Sets the Standard
The previous edition delivered a memorable victory for Osun State golfer Babatunde Oyalami.
Oyalami claimed the 64th Lagos Amateur Open title in 2025 after completing three rounds with a gross score of 231.
He opened with a 78, improved to 75 in the second round and closed with another 78 to secure a three-stroke victory.
His performance demonstrated the consistency required to succeed at Ikoyi Club.
Oyalami enters the 2026 tournament period as the reigning champion, although his participation in this year’s field has not yet been confirmed.
The identity of the next champion will be decided over the three competitive rounds from November 20–22.
FirstBank Announces Full Championship Week Schedule
The 65th edition will include several activities before the main competition begins.
According to FirstBank’s official programme, the schedule is:
| Date | Scheduled activity |
|---|---|
| November 16 | Search4Stars Caddies Tournament |
| November 18 | Championship Kitty Tournament |
| November 19 | Corporate Golf Challenge for Charity |
| November 20 | First championship round |
| November 21 | Second round and coaching clinics |
| November 22 | Final round and championship conclusion |
The additional activities reflect FirstBank’s efforts to involve more people in the tournament beyond the main field.
The caddies’ competition provides a separate opportunity for those working within the game, while the coaching clinics are intended to support aspiring golfers.
The corporate charity challenge will also bring together organisations through golf-related fundraising activities.
Ikoyi Club Prepares for Another Major Amateur Event
Ikoyi Club 1938, one of Nigeria’s established sporting clubs, will again host the tournament on its 18-hole golf course in Lagos.
The venue has been central to the championship’s history, providing a familiar setting for players competing in the annual event.
FirstBank’s sponsorship forms part of its First@Sports initiative, which supports sporting activities including golf, polo and tennis.
The bank says the championship has evolved into a broader platform for amateur competition, youth development, caddie participation and community engagement.
The 65th edition will seek to continue that tradition while providing opportunities for another generation of golfers.
What Happens Next?
With the opening activities scheduled for November 16, attention will turn to the publication of the official entry list and further tournament arrangements.
FirstBank’s championship website is the primary source for registration announcements and programme updates.
The main competition gets underway on November 20, with the eventual winner crowned on November 22.
For Nigerian amateur golf, the tournament offers another opportunity to showcase developing talent and strengthen the country’s presence in international amateur competition.