Dolapo Adekanbi retained his crown at the 2026 Ikeja Golf Club Caddies Championship on Friday, October 9, producing a gross score of 73 to secure the overall title.
Adekanbi holds off the challenge
- Uche Nwaokocha set an early benchmark with a strong gross 75, briefly raising the prospect of a surprise winner before the leading group began their rounds later in the day.
- Defending champion Adekanbi, alongside Muritala Adeola, Peter Okafor and Tunde Oladehinde, then entered the contest as the principal contenders.
- Adekanbi showed control and resilience under pressure, eventually finishing on 73 to successfully defend the championship.
- His closing three holes proved pivotal: he made a birdie at the 16th, dropped a shot at the 17th and completed the decisive finish with a par on the 18th.
The victory further highlighted Adekanbi’s standing among the leading players in the caddie golfing community.
Winners across the categories
More than 100 caddies representing Ikeja Golf Club, the Ikoyi Club Golf Section and Abeokuta Golf Club competed in the event. Club members also joined the field as guest participants, offering encouragement and support to the caddies.
- Adeshayo Oladokun won the Junior Caddies division after posting a gross score of 80.
- Segun Ajayi of Abeokuta Golf Club took first place in the guest players’ category.
- Adeyinka Adelakun, representing Ikoyi Club Golf Section, finished as second runner-up among the guest players.
- Deborah Asoore claimed the Ladies Category title with a gross 117, replacing previous champion Felicia Oyebanji.
Focus on player development
Olugbenga Ayodele, the club’s Caddy Officer and the tournament’s chief organiser, said the championship was designed to identify and develop promising golfing talent while giving aspiring amateur players a chance to display the potential to represent Nigeria internationally.
He said the event was not simply a celebration of caddies, but also an avenue for them to sharpen their abilities, gain tournament exposure and target bigger accomplishments in golf.
The programme also included consolation awards for special feats, including Nearest to the Pin, Longest Drive and Best Behaved. The staging of the competition reinforced Ikeja Golf Club’s focus on caddy welfare, player development and the continued growth of golf in Nigeria.
