The 6th Edition of the Rayfield Golf Club 1913 Ladies Open Golf Championship teed off yesterday, January 30, 2025, in Jos, the Plateau State capital. The championship, which has attracted over 100 lady golfers from across the country, will conclude on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Additionally, more than 150 male golfers are participating in the event.
Speaking at the ceremonial tee-off, the Special Guest of Honour, Mrs. Miranda David, encouraged more women to take up golf, emphasizing its benefits.

“I would say that golf is a very interesting game, and for ladies, I think it helps them to really build their strength in whatever they have to do,” she said.
“It’s also entertaining and engaging. I had the opportunity to practice, and it was really fun and interesting. Yes, golf is an elite sport, and some people use it for leisure, but it offers so much more.”
Lady Captain of Rayfield Golf Club, Ms Grace Luka Alheri, highlighted the significance of the championship, noting that it is an obligation for every lady captain and serves as a platform to bring female golfers together.

“As of now, we have about 150 lady golfers from all over the country,” she said. “No, we won’t have the professionals playing because they compete for money, and we don’t have that provision. Initially, I had hoped to secure a sponsor to offer a prize of two million naira, but I couldn’t get one.”
She further explained the essence of the tournament: “The championship’s purpose is to bring ladies together and create friendships. Once you are a lady captain, you have to organize an open championship to be recognized in that position. The friendship among the ladies is very cordial—you can see how we are hugging each other; there is a lot of camaraderie and networking.”
The Captain of Rayfield Golf Club 1913, Isaac Ige, provided historical context on the club and reiterated the significance of the championship.

“When the colonials came here for mining, they started recreational activities, and golf was one of them. This was the first place they established it. We even have a trophy that has ‘1913’ inscribed on it, which means they had been playing before that year. This makes Rayfield Golf Club one of the oldest golf clubs in the country.”
He emphasized the tournament’s role in fostering relationships: “Every time we have a new captain, they are expected to organize a Ladies’ Open. This brings together all the ladies from golf clubs across the country to connect and enjoy the game. Golf is about friendship, relationships, and mingling with other people.”
Ige also highlighted the club’s commitment to youth development: “Rayfield Golf Club takes this initiative seriously. Membership registration is kept at the barest minimum, and we actively reach out to younger girls. We have a junior academy with over 60 young ladies playing golf. When they reach the right age, we grant them free membership.”
The Rayfield Golf Club 1913 Ladies Open continues to foster sportsmanship, friendship, and networking, further solidifying its place as a premier event in Nigeria’s golfing calendar.