After two editions of interregnum since 2014, the Lagos State First Lady Open Championship is set to debut again this weekend at the Ikeja Golf Club, Lagos.
Slated precisely for April 29 and 30 (Friday and Saturday), not less than 180 golfers from across the federation are expected to participate in the championship with the Lagos State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, also expected to perform the ceremonial tee off.
The Championship, an initiative of former Lady Captain, late Mrs Bose Ransom Kuti, is designed in honour of the First Lady of Lagos State; to help grow the game of golf among women, just as it provides exercise for the body and mind.
Recalled the biennial Championship first debuted in 2012 and last held in 2014 during the administration of Babatunde Fashola and there was a break during Ambode’s tenure as no tournament was held.
However, the Sanwo-Olu’s administration is returning the Championship even as it could not hold in 2020 for obvious reasons – the Covid-19 pandemic and its attendant economic doldrums.
Busola Ladipo, Lady, Vice Captain of Ikeja Golf Club commenting on the Championship said, “I’m happy that First Lady Championship is finally back in my time; the 2022 championship will be the 3rd edition,, because we could not organise the tournament since 2014 owing to circumstances beyond our control, particularly in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s a two-year Championship, we had the first edition and the second edition in 2012 and 2014 in Governor Fashola’s time; interestingly, it’s a championship initiated by former Lady Captain, late Bose Ransom Kuti for the First Lady of Lagos State Office, but not for a particular sitting First Lady and it’s to help grow the game of golf,” she said.
She added that participants would have a ‘swell time’ while the event lasts as all logistics to ensure a hitch free championship have been put in place.
Invariably, the Championship schedule revealed that Day-1 will witness the official opening tee off, just as Handicap 0-28 and Special Category 29-36 will be in action.
However the Day-1 round will include only lady golfers from Lagos State of Ikeja, Ikoyi, Lakowe and Dolphin golf clubs respectively.
While Day-2 round will have Handicap 0-28 and Special Category 29-36 in action, comprising lady golfers from outside Lagos State.
Closing ceremony and presentation of prizes to winners follow immediately after the Day-2 rounds.
