The Ikoyi Ladies Open Golf Tournament is targeting 200 participants in future editions, up from an average of about 100, as the organisers seek to attract younger players and create more opportunities for women to compete internationally.

The target comes ahead of the 51st edition of the tournament, scheduled for November 11 to 13 at Ikoyi Club 1938, Lagos, with about 130 female golfers expected to participate in the opening day’s competition.

While unveiling the programme for the tournament, themed “Enjoy Golf, Go Global,” the organisers said that the competition will feature players from Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Zambia, Benin Republic, Italy and France.

The Lady Vice Captain of Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf Section, Annie Eimiakhena, said the tournament was designed to encourage more women to take up golf, improve their skills and build professional and social connections through the sport.

She said that the organisers were working to increase participation and expand the tournament’s international reach, while acknowledging the need for a more structured approach to introducing disadvantaged young people to golf.

“We do want to impact lives,” Eimiakhena said, adding that the club was working with caddy communities and encouraging women within those communities to participate in the sport.

The tournament’s organising committee chairperson, Dr Karin Ekpe, said this year’s competition had been included in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), providing eligible players an opportunity to earn international ranking points through their performances.

The ranking system, administered by The R&A and the United States Golf Association, ranks male and female amateur golfers based on results in eligible competitions worldwide.

Ekpe cited the performance of a golfer from Benin Club at last year’s tournament, which earned the player a place on the ranking, as an example of the competition’s potential to provide international exposure.

According to the organisers, the tournament will begin with stroke-play competition on November 11, with players competing under different handicap categories. The field will be reduced on the second day, while the leading 50 female golfers will advance to the final round on November 13.

A golf clinic will also hold on November 12, offering about 20 sponsors and invited guests an introduction to the sport under the guidance of professional golfers.

Eimiakhena said preparations had included monthly medal competitions and singles, doubles and mixed-doubles matches intended to strengthen players’ competitive experience ahead of the international event.

She disclosed that the overall gross winner will receive a business-class ticket to the United States, alongside trophies and other prizes for leading performers.