IGC set to host 2026 Sun Open Amateur Golf Tournament

All is set for the second edition of the 2026 Sun Open Amateur Golf Tournament, scheduled to take place at the Ibadan Golf Club, Onireke, Ibadan.

The three-day tournament, sponsored by the High Performance Centre and Sports Leadership Hub (HPCSLH), is expected to attract amateur golfers from across Nigeria.
The competition will also serve as a qualifying event for the 2026 Qatar Open Golf Championship.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday at the Ibadan Golf Club, the convener of the tournament, Dr Bob Olukoya, disclosed that over 100 golfers have already registered for the event.
Present at the briefing include, Chairman, Oyo State Golf Association, Mr Moses Ojo, IGC Treasurer, Mr Mike Babalola, former General Manager, Oyo State Sports Council, Mr Gboyega Makinde and Mr Dolapo Junior from Abeokuta Golf Club.
According to Dr Olukoya, the Sun Open Amateur Golf Tournament is part of a national qualifying series that will produce Nigeria’s representative at the prestigious Qatar Open.
“HPCSLH is the organizer of the 2026 Sun Open Golf Competition, which serves as a qualifier for the Qatar Open in 2026. The last qualifier was held at Port Harcourt Golf Club, and this year it is coming to Ibadan Golf Club,” he said.
He explained that the winner of the Ibadan tournament will represent Nigeria at the Qatar Open Golf Championship, scheduled for April 2–4, 2026, in Qatar where they will be competing in different handicaps.
“We are here today to sensitize members of this prestigious club and the wider golfing community in Oyo State and Nigeria about this unique event. We have also engaged key stakeholders at the state secretariat, and we are fortunate that the Governor of Oyo State and some cabinet members are golfers. The state government is fully behind this tournament, and we are grateful for that support,” Olukoya added.
He further commended the Ibadan Golf Club for its hospitality and preparedness, expressing confidence that the club would deliver a world-class hosting experience.
Also speaking, the Captain of Ibadan Golf Club, Mr Seyi Alaba, thanked the organizers for choosing Ibadan as the host venue, describing it as a significant milestone for the club and the state.
“I want to sincerely appreciate the convener, Dr Bob Olukoya, for bringing this tournament to Ibadan Golf Club. We do not take this gesture for granted. It is a big deal for us, and it further affirms the standard of our facility, which can compete with any golf course anywhere,” Alaba said.
He noted that the club is excited to host the tournament, stressing that it aligns with ongoing efforts to promote golf, increase awareness of the sport, and develop young talents within Oyo State.
“We have been working over the past few weeks to ensure that our course is in top shape for this qualifying tournament. As of today, we are about 95 percent ready, with just a few finishing touches left. Our executive committee has met and deliberated extensively to ensure the course and all supporting services are fully prepared,” he added.
Mr Alaba assured participants and spectators that the club is ready in all aspects, including course conditions, hospitality, and logistics.
“Golf is not just about the fairways; it is also about hosting, accommodation, and creating a great experience for everyone involved. We are fully ready to support the Sun Open and make it a successful event,” he concluded.
The 2026 Sun Open Amateur Golf Tournament is expected to further boost the profile of amateur golf in Nigeria while providing a pathway for local talents to compete on the international stage.