The inaugural edition of the Kwara State Governor's Cup Open Golf Tournament took place from 15th to 17th November 2024 at the prestigious Ilorin Golf Club, as reported by Royal News.

Akeem Habeeb of Ilorin Golf Club emerged as the champion of the maiden tournament, playing off a handicap of 4.

Habeeb, a rising star in the golfing world, secured the top spot with a total score of +5, 149 over 36 holes. He had previously won the 7th Kwara Open Golf Tournament, which took place at the same venue in August, as well as the Insurance Open at Ibadan Golf Club. Habeeb carded a +6, 78 on Sunday, following an impressive -1, 71 gross on Saturday.

Despite a strong challenge from Nigeria's number one amateur golfer, Olajide Owolabi of Abeokuta Golf Club, and Oladele Samson of Ekiti Golf Club, Habeeb held on to his lead to finish ahead of the two challengers, who finished second and third respectively with scores of +7, 151 and +8, 152 gross.

The event which featured over 140 players from different clubs across the country such as Sagamu, Abeokuta, Ekiti, Tiger, Ibadan, Ikeja, Dolphin, IBB, Rosanny golf clubs and of course Ilorin Golf Club saw Olaitan Kayode of Ilorin Golf Club winning the best net prize with a net of 137 over 36 holes, beating Onoyivwe D. of Sagamu Golf Club to 2nd place with a net of 143 and pushing Oladele I of Rossany Golf Club to the 3rdplace with a net of 145.

Adekeye Ayanfeoluwa and Paul Adache both of Ilorin Golf Club returned 146 and 149 net to clinch 4th and 5th positions respectively.

For Handicap 13-28 category it was an Ilorin Golf Club affairs with Hamza Ojo clinching the star price with 137 net, followed by Dr. Lucky Itsekor in 2nd place with 139 net, Ibrahim Adeyemi in third place with a net of 140

Babatunde Abdulwahab returned 141 net to clinch the fourth place while Muhammed Ibrahim 142 net was good enough to earn him the fifth position and Aliu Shola losing on count back with 142 net to Muhammed Ibrahim in the 6th position.

Part of the participants who registered his name in the winning list is the B.O.T. Chairman of the Club, Hon. Justice Lambo Akanbi (Rtd) of Ilorin Golf Club who won the BOT category with 70 net over 18 holes.

Men’s veteran went to Alaba Yahaya of Ilorin Golf Club, who carded 73 net pushing Commodre A.J. Taiwo (rtd.) to the 2nd Position with 74 net.

Super Veterans category went to Prof. Ben Ogunlade of Ogbomoso Golf Club.

Best gross ladies was won by Opeyemi Adenigba of Ekiti Golf Club with a gross of 171 over 36 holes while Nihilola Olawuyi of Ilorin Golf Club won the best net with 128 net over 36 holes.

Folashade Ajala and Patience Ekwere both of Tiger returned 152 net and 160 net to finish 2nd and 3rd in the ladies net category respectively.

The ladies super veterans’ prize category went to Ms Zulu Omo-Ikerodah of Ikeja Golf Club.

In his remark, Director of the tournament and representative of Slqufort Nigeria Limited, the marketing outfit that put the event together, Barr. Oludare Akanbi thanked the Title Sponsor, Kwara State Government and other co-sponsors and donors for their financial and material support which contributed to the huge success of the tournament.

Among the corporate sponsors are First Bank Plc, Femtech IT, Emirates Global Hotels Limited, Yolas Consultants, Momrota Pharmacy, Rotamedics Pharmacy, Kam Abioye Estates and Adeslam Properties Limited.

Other sponsors are Senator Sadiq Umar, Senator Lola Ashiru, Hon. Justice Lambo Akanbi (Rtd), Engr. Lanre Sagaya, Otunba Olusola Adekanola, Otunba Layi Malik, Dr. AWA Ibraheem, Professor Dibu Ojerinde, Hon. Tunji Olawuyi Ajulo Opin, Dr. Isaac Ishola, and Engr. Babatunde Ibikunle (ATM).

In his speech, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq pledged government’s continuous support towards the development of Golf and sports generally in the state.

The Governor who was represented by the Executive Chairman Kwara State Sports Commission, Malam Bolakale Mogaji pledged the State Government continued support for the next edition of the tournament which he promised will be bigger and better and the forth coming Ilorin Ladies Open Golf Tournament slated for early 2025.