The 2nd ICMA Pro-Am Open Golf Championship is set to tee off this Thursday, October 30, at the Ilorin Golf Club. The event promises to be one of the biggest golf events on Nigeria's sporting calendar this year, drawing 297 players from Nigeria and abroad.

The four-day championship, sponsored by ICMA Professional Services, features 106 professional golfers who will battle for a substantial N15 million prize purse, alongside elite amateurs and Category 1 players.

The event will run through Sunday, November 2, and aims to promote the growth of golf in Kwara while significantly boosting local commerce and tourism.

Club Captain, Jide Allen, confirmed that defending champion Okoko Godwin will lead a strong field of contenders, which includes top golfers such as Ekpe Francis, Sunday Olopade, Peter Akakasiaka, and Kabir Mohammed.

Allen noted that professionals and Category 1 players will open play on Thursday, while 170 amateurs will join the fray after a welcome cocktail scheduled for Friday.

Allen described the tournament as a blend of competition and community impact, saying the championship "not only promotes the sport but stimulates Ilorin's economy through increased business activity."

Mallam Farouk Ismail, representing the sponsors, reaffirmed ICMA's commitment to sustaining the event, which began 14 years ago to mark the birthday of Alhaji AWA Ibrahim.

He added that preparations are in top gear to make this year's edition a showcase of golfing excellence and sports tourism.

Recognized on the World Golf Ranking calendar, the ICMA Pro-Am Open continues to position Ilorin as a rising hub for professional golf and hospitality in Nigeria.