The Nigeria Professional Golf season is set to commence with the 2025 Acutech Pro-Am Championship, a prestigious tournament marking the third consecutive year of Acutech’s sponsorship and commitment to fostering professional golf in Nigeria. Scheduled for January 13-15, 2025, at the esteemed Ikeja Golf Club in Lagos, the championship serves as a crucial launching pad for aspiring golfers seeking to establish their presence on the professional ranking. This early placement in the golfing calendar underscores Acutech’s proactive approach, mirroring their business ethos of being at the forefront of their industry. The company’s chairman, Zed Jituboh, emphasizes their dedication to this annual event, highlighting their consistent support for the growth of professional golf in Nigeria.
The Ikeja Golf Club continues to be the preferred venue for the Acutech Pro-Am Championship, chosen for its unique course layout and welcoming atmosphere. The past two editions of the tournament have showcased diverse talent, with Emos Korblah and Christopher Francis emerging as champions. This year’s competition promises a similarly exciting contest, with the anticipation of potentially crowning a new champion. The challenging course, combined with the competitive spirit of the participating golfers, ensures a dynamic and captivating tournament.
This year’s championship carries a substantial N20 million total purse, attracting a field of highly skilled professional golfers. Leading the charge is Olapade Sunday, the current leader of the 2024 Nigeria PGA Order-of-Merit. He will face stiff competition from a formidable lineup that includes defending champion Christopher Francis, 2023 Order of Merit leader Francis Epe, as well as other prominent players such as Okoko Godwin, Oche Odoh, Gift Willy, Mike Ubi, Mustapha Abdullahi, and Chiti Tobias. The presence of these seasoned professionals guarantees a display of exceptional golfing prowess and a tightly contested battle for the coveted title.
The Acutech Pro-Am Championship plays a vital role in maintaining the competitive edge of Nigerian professional golfers. Jide Bolaji, Secretary of the Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria, emphasizes the significance of events like this in keeping players engaged and focused, particularly during the holiday season when there might be a tendency towards relaxation. The consistent timing of the Acutech Pro-Am encourages players to remain actively involved in their training and preparation, ensuring they enter the new season in peak form.
This proactive approach benefits not only the individual players but also contributes to the overall development and elevation of professional golf in Nigeria. By providing a competitive platform early in the year, the Acutech Pro-Am Championship sets a stimulating pace for the entire season. This early start encourages players to refine their skills and maintain a high level of performance throughout the year, fostering a culture of constant improvement within the Nigerian golfing community.
The tournament format involves a 54-hole stroke play competition for the professionals, providing a comprehensive assessment of their skills and consistency over three rounds. Alongside the professional competition, the event also incorporates the participation of top amateur golfers from the host club, Ikeja Golf Club. This inclusive approach fosters camaraderie and interaction between professional and amateur players, enriching the overall tournament experience and promoting the growth of golf at all levels. The Acutech Pro-Am Championship thus serves as a multifaceted platform, contributing to the advancement of professional golf while also engaging the broader golfing community.
