By Stephen Benjamin
Abiola Popoola has emerged overall winner of the TYB Captain’s Inaugural Golf Tournament at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club (TYB-IGRCC), Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Popoola who played off handicap 18, returned 84 gross, and 66 nett to claim the top prize at the week-long tournament, which began on Monday and ended on Saturday night.
Popoola praised the Club Captain, Brig.-Gen. Nicholas Ashinze, for providing quality leadership and improving facilities at the club.
“I feel honoured to emerge winner of this prestigious tournament. The competition was tough, but I stayed focused throughout the rounds.
“I commend the captain for the excellent work he is doing. His leadership has brought remarkable improvements to the club and inspired members,” Popoola said.
Ashinze described the tournament as a celebration of leadership, sportsmanship, and unity among golfers and stakeholders.
“It is a privilege to host this inaugural tournament. Our vision is to build a world-class golfing environment for members and guests.
“We will continue to improve facilities and strengthen the spirit of camaraderie that makes this club unique,” he said.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Maj. Gen. Godwin Umelo (Rtd), commended participants, sponsors, and officials for supporting the successful event.
“This tournament marks a significant milestone for the club. The overwhelming support from golfers and sponsors made the competition memorable.
“We are proud of the standard displayed throughout the tournament and grateful to everyone who contributed to its success,” Umelo said.
Vice Captain of TYB-IGRCC, Ali Peters appreciated guests, sponsors, and players for making the event successful.
Ali appreciated the Grand Patron of TYB-IGRCC, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for his leadership and unwavering support, which made the world-class tournament possible.
He also extended his deepest gratitude to the Patron of TYB-IGRCC, Maj. Gen. VU Okoro for his guidance and encouragement, which he noted had been invaluable in shaping the vision of the club.
“We are delighted with the success of this inaugural tournament. The turnout and level of participation were outstanding.
“The successful planning and execution of this inaugural tournament marks the realisation of a long-nurtured vision for TYB-IGRCC.
“With the participation of distinguished local and international golfers, our club is steadily cementing its reputation as a premier golfing destination in Nigeria.
“I am grateful to the Life Patron, Grand Patron, Patron, Past Grand Patrons, Past Patrons, and Past Captains.
“My heartfelt thanks also goes to Shehu Dikko, the Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), and Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the President of Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF).
“The dedication and commitment also shown by members, sponsors, and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) reflects the bright future of TYB-IGRCC as a leading golf destination,” he said.
In the Men’s Category One handicap 0–18, F.F. Ogu won best nett with 78 gross, handicap 12 and 66 nett.
Aliyu Ambursa finished runner-up nett with 81 gross, handicap 14 and 67 nett, while Nura Umar placed second runner-up nett with 80 gross, handicap 12 and 68 nett.
J.A. Bello won best gross with 76 gross, while Godwin Gabriel claimed runner-up gross with 77 gross.
In the Ladies Category One, Faridah Wada won best nett with 86 gross and handicap 17, after beating Rose Nyam on countback.
Patience Abechi won best gross in the ladies category with 84 gross, while Andrew Odoh emerged as the winner of the professional category with 65 gross.
In the caddies and staff categories, Aminu Mohammed won the senior caddies prize with 74 gross, while Yusuf Saliyu claimed the junior caddies title with 82 gross.
Jessica Solomon won the ladies’ caddies category with 96 gross, Aisha Mohammed emerged best in staff ladies with 120 gross, while Longinus Yohanna won the staff men category with 86 gross.
Highlights of the tournament included the inauguration of the club’s 19th Hole Premium Lounge and the commissioning of a newly constructed bridge linking Hole Three fairway and Hole Four tee-box.
The 19th Hole Premium Lounge was inaugurated by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.
While the newly constructed bridge was donated by the immediate past TYB Golf Club Captain, Maj. Gen S.S Jiya and commissioned by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Waidi Shaibu.
Dignitaries at the closing event were Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and Dr Lami Ahmed, the President, Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN).
Others include; Brig. Gen. Mustapha Onoyiveta (Rtd), the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the late President Musa Yar’Adua and Boboye Oyeyemi, the former Corp Marshall of FRSC, amongst others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
