The 63rd edition of the annual FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship came to a thrilling end at the Golf Section of Ikoyi Club 1938 on Sunday with Hameed Adenekan emerging winner.
To come top in the keenly contested encounter, Adenekan grossed a score of 225 to beat his closest rival, Akeem Lawal by two shots.
Adenekan’s journey to fame started with an opening level par 71, a second day score of 72 and a closing 82 to emerge winner.
The highly elated Adenekan in his victory speech thanked the sponsor FirstBank of Nigeria Limited for the opportunity to showcase his talent, saying the victory has now put him in good stead for a shot at his long life dream of being a professional golfer.
“I am very happy. I also want to thank FirstBank for this tournament. This is a tournament every amateur wants to take part in because its helps our dream of turning professional. For me, the next thing is trying to qualify for the elite professional cadre,” he said.
The second-placed Lawal’s opened his 54-holes account with an opening 75; four-over the course par, a second day score 76 and a closing 76, losing by two shots to the winner.
Last year’s runners-up Samuel Odey Emmanuel also of Ikoyi Club’s final push for the coveted trophy came to naught with a closing 79, losing to the second placed Akeem Lawal on countback.
In the professional category, Ajayi Tajudeen triumphed over Andrew Oche Odoh after exhilarating three-hole playoff.
This year’s Lagos Open coincides with 130th-anniversary of FirstBank.
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