By Victor Okoye
Akure, Aug. 14, 2025 (NAN) The 10th Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) Western Zone Golf Championship teed off Thursday in Akure with a strong focus on encouraging greater female participation in the sport.
The four-day tournament, hosted at the Crosscreek Golf Club, Ilado, has attracted no fewer than 130 golfers—60 women and 70 men—from across Nigeria, all rallying under the championship’s theme: Golfing with the Stars.
Vice President of LGAN Western Zone, Mrs Evelyn Balogun, told newsmen that beyond competition, the event aims to break gender barriers in golf by inspiring more women to take up the sport.
“The tournament is a platform to promote golf among women while also advocating for their physical, mental, and social well-being,” Balogun said.
“Golf helps women stay fit, relieve stress, and connect with nature. Women should not be confined to household roles.”
She said the championship, open to ladies with handicap 0 to 28, officially tees off on Friday, followed by a cultural and social evening aimed at fostering networking and relaxation.
According to Balogun, 45 women are expected to make the cut and play in the final round on Sunday, alongside male players in the same handicap category.
The event will culminate in an awards and appreciation ceremony to honour winners, sponsors, and supporters.
Balogun commended the Ondo State Government for its support and expressed optimism that the championship would leave a lasting legacy by encouraging more women to explore the game of golf.
In a similar vein, First Vice President of LGAN, Dr Lami Ahmed, highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it was the first time a ladies’ open golf tournament was being hosted in Ondo State.
“This is a historic milestone. The competition not only promotes women’s development and unity but also contributes to economic growth, tourism, and environmental awareness,” Ahmed said.
She emphasised that golf has the power to unite communities, promote site preservation, and attract tourism.
Founder of Crosscreek Golf Club, Mr Sola Abidakun, welcomed participants and encouraged them to explore the rich culture and hospitality of the host state.
Club Captain, Mr Isaac Shedowo, projected that the tournament would inject over N200 million into the local economy, further highlighting the positive ripple effects of women-centered sporting events.
The championship opened Thursday morning with a grassroots golf tournament for U-18 category, followed by the Crosscreek Ladies in the handicap 29–36 category taking to the course.
Other opening-day activities included a grassroots golf tournament for U-18 category, ceremonial flag hoisting, a visit to an orphanage, and a cocktail reception.
NAN reports that Grace Adeyinka of Ekiti Golf Club won the Best Gross Champion title.
She returned a total gross score of 270 over three days to beat 45 other golfers in the ladies’ handicap 0-18 category.
Adeyinka expressed joy, saying that even though the course was tough, she was proud of her performance.“With just one ball lost, I’m proud of myself and my teammates; we did well,” she said.
With the increasing visibility of women in golf, the LGAN Western Zone Championship is not only celebrating excellence but also paving the way for a more inclusive future in the sport.(NAN)
