Le Meridien Ibom

In 2002, Steve Ritson of Ritson Golf Design was appointed as the architect to design a new 18-hole championship golf course for Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort near Uyo. Five years later, in March of 2007 to be exact, Colin Montgomerie, Retief Goosen and Nancy Lopez formally opened the new layout.

Laid out on a hilltop ridge, with fabulous views across the surrounding rain forest stretching to the mountains of Cameroon, the course was constructed with minimal impact on the landscape as fairways were carefully routed through old palm plantations and areas of tropical forest swamp.

Roger Yates, Golf Manager of the facility kindly provided the following comments: “The Ibom golf course is part of the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort in Akwa Ibom State Nigeria and it has matured well into the undulating landscape to provide golfers with some challenging golf and some stunning views of tropical West Africa.

The signature hole is without doubt the breathtaking 3rd hole, a short par three played from an elevated tee to a green set against the lush vegetation of the forest that borders the property. Whilst not overly challenging, it’s memorable for every first time player as it offers a canopy view of the miles and miles of forest that form its backdrop.

The hardest hole on the course is the 4th, a double doglegged par five that challenges the straightest of hitters from the tee before asking a number of strategic questions throughout its length, meandering as it does between out of bounds on the left, trees on the right and two well-positioned water hazards.”