The The 61st edition of the Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship lived up to its hype when Emmanuel Ojeabulu from Benin was crowned champion.
Three shots off the pace entering the final 18 holes, Ojeabulu played some of the best golf of his life, maintaining a steady par for a closing 74, three under par, winning the World Amateur Golf Rankings-recognized event by two. shots
Ojeabulu started his game with an opening 75, followed by a second-day 78 and a closing 74 to replace Ilorin-based Aminu Kadir, the reigning champion on the tournament winners list.
George Paul, who was determined to win the tournament, crumbled under the pressure, closing with an impressive 79 to lose by two shots.
In third place was Muyideen Olaitan, a three-time winner of the coveted Lagos Open trophy, and Iyare Osaze was further down the winners list, just one stroke ahead of perennial contender, Olajide Owolabi, who shot a tournament best score of 72 on the day. two of the competition, in fifth place.
Delighted with the outcome of the three-day event, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, the sponsor of the annual tournament, pledged its continued patronage of the tournament and other sporting activities across the country.
At the closing ceremony, Adesola Adeduntan, CEO of FirstBank, represented by the bank’s Chief Risk Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu, said that because the bank is proud of sports, it will continue to deliver on its commitment.
Golf captain Tony Oboh said: “It’s not easy to keep a tournament like this going, so I congratulate FirstBank for their commitment.”
