FirstBank Enabling Nation-building through Golf Sponsorship

Simply put, it was gold standard, exemplified by excellence. That better explains what played out at this year’s Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship which held at the Golf Section of Ikoyi Club 1938. It was the 63rd in its series and it coincided with 130th anniversary of the giant banking institution.

It was golf at its very best.

Well, it was not totally unexpected, when you are a bank woven deep into the fabric of the society, commitment to ideals that impact the society is one thing that you hold dear. That was exactly what First Bank of Nigeria Limited showcased in the weeklong competition. The impact was felt far and wide, leaving many yearning for more.

It was golf, sport for kings and royals. To achieve success in it, you must be dedicated, and as some would say; discovered early to be harnessed for future growth. For that to turn reality, you’ll need a committed partner. That’s exactly what the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank; Olusegun Alebiosu meant when he said, “that’s why we are First Bank”, a bank that is committed to the ideal that uplifts the society. 

It started with search for the stars, a section of the tournament geared towards discovering talent in their prime, to donation to Charities, down to quest for fame and honour on the course.

Ever since its debut 63 -years ago, winning the championship comes with huge rewards. It throws you up as a hero and opens sponsorship doors for winners.

In 2003, Andrew Odoh savoured such honors. The success got him sponsorship for a training tour of the more established Sunshine Tour in South Africa, got trained by Gary Polard and returned to Nigeria as a professional golfer. Similarly, success in 2002 earned Port Harcourt based Willy Gift sponsorship package from an oil company.

Thus, when the countdown to this year’s edition began months back, so much was expected. It was a roll call of the best amateurs that nation can boast of. There was Remi Olukoya, 3-handicaper, Akeem Lawal, Samuel Emmanuel; the young man who lost to Isaac Umoru last year, the ever contending Olajide Owolabi and many more.

Day-one started on the light note with Hameed Adenekan, Ikoyi based young man taking part in the competition for the second time returning with an impressive level-par 71 followed by a former champion, Emmanuel Ojeabulu, a former champion as well at 73. There was also Emmanuel Desmond at 74 and Michael Raillard one of the non-Nigerian on the course at 74.  

Day-two was as seamless, great golf but when the trio of Adenekan, Emmanuel and Desmond stepped out for the final round on Sunday morning, the tension was palpable. Playing 5-shot going to the finals, it was sure not going to be easy day for Adenekan, somehow he managed his nerve securing victory with 225-score for 12-over par over 54-holes. Adenekan recorded 71-70 and a closing 82 to secure the top spot of a competitive Leaderboard. Akeem Lawal came second. Lawal started his 54-hole journey with 75, 4-over par, a second round of 76 and a closing 76 ultimately finishing two shots behind the winner and pushing favourites Emmanuel and Desmond down the leaderboard. 

Somewhere on the Course that sunny afternoon also were two former champions battling for money. As pros, the winning purse is always the attraction. This time around, the purse was unexpected. On offer was the biggest purse ever in the Nigeria PGA; a whooping N30 million with the winner going home with the largest chunk of N10 million. Now, if the amateur round was tension soaked, the Professional category was even more. However Ajayi Tajudeen from Ikoyi Club triumphed in an exhilarating three-hole playoff.

He had locked in a tie at par with former top seed Odoh, engaging in a sudden death showdown. The intense playoff which spanned three-holes led to Tajudeen hard fought victory.   

Thrilled by the impressive display and turnout, Alebiosu reaffirmed First Bank’s dedication to sponsorship of not just Lagos Open but to continue to maintain their stand as being first with sports.

As he rightly put it, “this is why we are First Bank, this is why we are first in sports.”