*To test new artificial lake
Excitement is building ahead of the Ilorin Golf Club’s 50th anniversary celebrations, with 163 golfers confirmed to participate in a special Amateur Open Golf Tournament scheduled for Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9, 2025.
The highlight of the event will be the unveiling and trial of the club’s newly constructed artificial lake, a striking water feature designed to add a new level of challenge to the 18-hole course.
Built by ICMA Professional Services, the lake, roughly the size of a football pitch’s 18-yard box, comes complete with its independent water system.
Speaking during a pre-event briefing on Monday, Club Captain, Babajide Allen said the Golden Jubilee tournament would be both a celebration and a statement of the club’s growing prominence.
“This event will not only showcase Ilorin as a major golfing hub in Nigeria, but also give golfers the opportunity to experience our new artificial lake, which is designed to elevate the golfing challenge and overall experience,” Allen said.
According to the Captain, the tournament will feature 16 professionals, 10 of whom are Ilorin Golf Club products now playing outside the state, and six currently based in Ilorin, alongside 140 amateur golfers from across the country.
Among the top professionals expected to participate are Kabir Mohammed, Friday Adachi, Salihu Liman, and Gboyega Oyeniyi, among other notable Professionals.
Allen traced the foundation of the club to pioneer golfers including the late John Adegboye, Col. Ibrahim Taiwo, and Alhaji Aduagba Sakama. He reaffirmed the club’s commitment to sustaining growth and innovation beyond the 50th anniversary, adding that the Ilorin Golf Club remains one of the leading golf institutions in Nigeria.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee and ICMA representative, Mallam Farouk Ismail, emphasized that the event will reflect both the club’s history and its contribution to sports tourism.
Mallam Ismail said that activities will begin on Saturday with the arrival of golfers, practice rounds, and a welcome cocktail. The main tournament featuring both Amateur and Professional golfers will be held on Sunday.
A special Captains’ Event, where past Captains of the club will be honoured as part of the golden jubilee celebration, will also be held ahead of the official closing ceremony.
“Preparations are in top gear to make the competition a true showcase of golfing excellence and a celebration of Ilorin’s legacy in the sport,” he said.
The 50th anniversary tournament promises to blend competition, camaraderie, and celebration, as Ilorin Golf Club marks half a century of promoting golf and fostering talent in Nigeria.
Established in June 1975 during the administration of Military Governor Col. Ibrahim Taiwo, the club was founded to promote and strengthen the game of golf in the state.
