Hameed Adenekan emerged winner of the 63rd edition of the annual First Bank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship which came to a thrilling end at the Golf Section of Ikoyi Club 1938 on Sunday, November 24. 

To come top in the keenly contested competition, 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 First Bank 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.

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“I am very happy. I also want to thank First Bank for this tournament. This is a tournament every amateur wants to take part in because it helps our dream of turning professional. For me, the next thing is to try and qualify for the elite professional cadre”, he said. 

The second placed Lawal opened his 54-holes account with an opening 75; 4-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 an exhilarating three-hole playoff.

Elated at the turnout of the weeklong competition, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Ltd, Olusegun Alebiosu, pledged the bank’s commitment to sponsorship of the tournament, saying, “First Bank won’t relent in its resolves to continue to impact the society through sports.” 

This year’s Lagos Open coincided with the 130th anniversary of First Bank.