Love Ndarake Okoho and Miracle John emerged as Nigeria’s top amateur golfers, clinching tickets to the prestigious Qatar World Amateur Open, slated for February 2025, after stellar performances at the Sun Open in Port Harcourt.

The three-day competition at Python Golf Club featured over 100 golfers competing for two coveted slots. In a nail-biting finish, Okoho triumphed in the women’s category after defeating Prudent Okeoma in a three-hole playoff. Both players had tied at 250 points over three days, but Okoho’s experience saw her prevail under pressure.

The men’s category witnessed Miracle John edge past Umoru Odaudu in dramatic fashion. John sank a decisive birdie on the 18th hole to secure a one-point victory, scoring 218 against Odaudu’s 219.

This year’s Sun Open marked a significant milestone as Nigerian golfers returned to Qatar’s international golfing stage after a two-decade absence caused by a ban which stemmed from a long-standing blacklist imposed by Qatari authorities. The ban was a result of incidents where Nigerian players, despite receiving visas and travel support, absconded upon arrival in the Gulf nation.

The winners expressed confidence in their ability to deliver strong performances at the global event.

In addition to the February World Amateur Open, Okoho also booked her spot at the Celebrity Golf Challenge for Ladies in November 2025.

The Qatar Amateur Open offers more than just glory for its participants—winners secure automatic qualification to the prestigious Qatar Masters, a flagship event on the lucrative DP World Tour. Notably, no Nigerian golfer has ever competed in this elite tournament.

https://dailytrust.com/okoho-john-secure-qatar-world-amateur-open-tickets/