The annual Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo Golf Tournament (EWOMGT) will not stop throwing its gates open to amateur players, in order to accord opportunities to golfers of various levels to participate.
Sports247.ng reports that this affirmation came from the managing director of Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, Adekunle Adeojo, while speaking at the end of the 15th edition of the competition.
Adeojo said at Smokin Hills Golf Resort Ilara Monkin, Ondo State that the competition cannot be an all-professional contest because a pool of various levels of players is need to boost its memorial status.
Adeojo, who was reacting to calls by professional golfers to make the contest a major event for pros, instead of invitational, said the sponsor wants to ensure many golfers can participate.
He said: “We can’t make the tournament an all professionals because this tournament is sponsored in memory of our mother.
“We want to ensure that everybody that has the ability to play participates.
“We have both the Professionals and Amateurs playing in this tournament.
“The professionals always tee off the tournament in the first day of the two-day competition and followed by both male and female amateurs.
“For professionals, I don’t think we have that professionals here in Nigeria like we have in Europe and America.
“This is something that is sponsored by Toyota (Nigeria) Limited and we want to carry everybody along.
“The professionals have their time to play and the amateurs have theirs too.
“The person we are celebrating is a woman, so we have to ensure that the women are also well represented.
“We are trying to improve and increase the participation of golfers in both male and female categories. And we also did the same in the professionals.”
