By Esther Onyegbula

Evelyn Oyome has successfully defended her crown as Overall Gross Winner at the 2026 Ikoyi Club Ladies Championship after returning a combined gross score of 170 at the end of the two-day tournament held at Ikoyi Club 1938, Lagos.

Oyome, who carded 85 on both days of the championship, finished ahead of Pat Ozoemene, who emerged first runner-up with a gross score of 174, while Ifeoma Obata placed second runner-up with 185.
The championship, themed “Swing & Par-Tea in Colours,” attracted over 70 female golfers who competed in various handicap categories in a stroke-play format.

Speaking during the event, Lady Captain of Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf Section, Annie Eimiakhena, said the annual tournament was aimed at identifying the club’s best female golfer while also fostering friendship and unity among members.

“The championship occurs once a year. More or less, we’re trying to see who is the best lady golfer amongst us,” Eimiakhena said.
“It’s going to be a fun activity and serious because we are striving to get the champion of all champions.”

She explained that golfers were required to meet qualification criteria before participating in the competition, noting that guest players were also invited to increase participation.
According to her, the event also serves as a platform to promote integrity, camaraderie and community impact through the game of golf.

“I would like to pass a message of unity. I would like to pass on a message of friendship. I would like to pass on a message of integrity. The golf game is one of integrity and camaraderie,” she stated.
“Our theme for the year is ‘Enjoy Golf, Impact Lives.’ We want people to enjoy the game and at the same time touch lives positively within their communities.”

Eimiakhena further disclosed that the club was intensifying efforts to encourage younger players to embrace golf through its Junior Golf Academy.
“For the younger people, we have the Junior Golf Academy which runs on Saturdays and Mondays for children between four and 17 years. We work with professionals to train and nurture them so they can become good golfers in the future,” she said.

Speaking after retaining her title, Oyome attributed her success and consistency in the game to discipline, passion and regular practice.
“Golf is life,” she said.
“I was introduced into golf because I’ve always been a sports person. When I started playing, I made sure I played with the men and professionals. I stayed focused and I loved the game.”

She described golf as a sport that keeps her physically active and mentally sharp.
“Coming out again to play golf is a nice memory to my life that I’m alive today and I can move my legs, my hands and my body, and that is what golf needs,” Oyome added.

The champion also urged fellow golfers to remain focused and committed to improving their game.
“I would like to tell my other contestants to move up their games, stay focused, play good golf and get good scores. At the end of the day, they will make it,” she said.

Other winners in the Overall Gross category included Ronke Iyiola, who finished sixth with 195, Pauline Onafowokan in fifth place with 188, while Seline Hainsworth came fourth with 188 on countback.

In the Overall Net category, Omowunmi Lakanu emerged winner with a combined score of 143, ahead of Yemi Afariogun with 154 and Iveren Nongo with 155.

Winners at the championship received prizes including airline tickets, golf bags, travel bags, golf apparel and electronic devices donated by sponsors such as United Nigeria Airlines, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Keystone Bank and DigiPhone.