By Opeyemi Adeoti
The Ilorin Golf Club is poised to celebrate its 50th anniversary celebration with a two-day Amateur Open tournament.
The is slated for this Saturday and Sunday in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.
The club which was founded in June 1975 under the administration of Military Governor, Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo, was established with the aim of promoting and advancing the game of golf within the state.
During a media briefing at the club on Monday, the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Alhaji Faruq Ismail, announced that the event will commence on Saturday with the arrival of golfers, practice rounds, and a welcome cocktail.
The primary tournament, which will include both amateur and professional golfers, is scheduled for Sunday.
He further mentioned that a ceremonial tee-off is set for Sunday at 9:00 a.m., followed by a special Captains’ Event at 4:00 p.m., where past captains of the club will be honoured as part of the golden jubilee celebration, preceding the official closing ceremony.
Additionally, the Club Captain, Mr. Jide Allen, disclosed that 140 amateur golfers and 23 professional players are anticipated to participate in this significant tournament.
He stated that the professional category will comprise six resident golfers, ten products of the Ilorin Golf Club, and seven invited players.
Mr. Allen traced the origins of the club to pioneering golfers, including the late John Adegboye, Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo, and Alhaji Aduagba Sakama.
He reaffirmed the club’s dedication to maintaining growth and innovation beyond the 50th anniversary, emphasizing that the Ilorin Golf Club remains one of Nigeria’s preeminent golf institutions.
Furthermore, elite professionals such as Kabir Mohammed, Friday Adachi, Salihu Liman, and Gboyega Oyeniyi are expected to grace the course and compete for accolades during the event.