Esther Salifu
Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, will take centre stage in Nigeria’s golfing calendar this week as nearly 300 golfers from across the country and beyond converge on the Ilorin Golf Course for the second edition of the ICMA Pro-Am Open 2025, a four-day championship featuring a ₦15 million prize purse.
The four-day championship, which brings together 297 golfers from Nigeria and neighbouring countries, will be staged at the scenic Ilorin Golf Course. With a prize purse of ₦15 million, the event is expected to boost local tourism, hospitality, and business activities across the city.
Defending champion Okoko Godwin will lead a strong field that includes top professionals such as Ekpe Francis, Sunday Olopade, and Peter Kakasiaka, alongside a new generation of emerging golfers seeking to make their mark on the national stage.
Speaking at a pre-tournament press briefing on Monday, the Captain of Ilorin Golf Club, Mr. Jide Allen, described the ICMA Pro-Am as more than just a sporting competition.
“This tournament has grown into a symbol of excellence and community engagement. Ilorin is fast becoming a hub for golf and sports tourism in Nigeria,” Allen said.
According to Allen, play will officially begin on Thursday with professionals and Category One players, while 170 amateur golfers will take to the course on Saturday after a welcome cocktail on Friday night.
He commended ICMA Professional Services, the title sponsor, for its sustained investment in golf development through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
“Every Monday, our course is open to young players to nurture grassroots participation. Our vision is to develop the next generation of Nigerian golfers,” he added.
Former Club Captain and ICMA representative, Mr. Farouk Ismail, disclosed that the 2025 edition has drawn participants from Cameroon and Ghana, giving the event an international flavour.
“This year’s tournament will be more competitive and colourful. ICMA’s continued support demonstrates our belief that sports can be a powerful driver of social and economic growth,” Ismail noted.
Endorsed by the Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria (PGAN), the ICMA Pro-Am Open made an impressive debut last year, earning praise for its organisation and impact on the local sporting landscape.
With expanded participation and improved logistics this year, organisers say the 2025 edition will further elevate Ilorin’s status as a premier destination for golf in Nigeria.
