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Sports

Golf: Iyene’s exploits at St. Lawrence University excites Runsewe

By Victor Okoye

Olusegun Runsewe, President of Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), has commended Nigeria’s female teenage golfer, Iyene Essien, for her exploits at the St. Lawrence University Fall Invitational in Canton, New York, U.S.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Essien, a first-year Electrical Engineering student of Union College, Schenectady, New York, had a record-setting weekend to start her collegiate career at the SLU Fall Invitational.

This was after she carded rounds of 70 and 81 to earn medalist honours with a programme-record two-day score of 151.

She smashed the school record by five strokes with her two-under 70 in her collegiate debut on Saturday, carding three birdies, an eagle, and no holes higher than bogey.

Facing incredibly difficult conditions, Essien carved up the course with the first sub-par round in Union golf history, surpassing the previous record of 75 set by current senior Liz Bentsianov on Sept. 17, 2022 at the tournament.

The 18-year-old carded an eagle on the par-five 11th to go with three birdies and three bogies in her collegiate debut, carding dual nines of 35 on the way to her record-setting score.

She followed up with an 81 on Sunday to break the school two-day scoring record and post a four-stroke victory.

It was only the third individual medalist honour in programme history and the first at an event with more than three teams.

Her effort ensured that she led the Union College women’s golf team to a third-place finish at the season-opening tournament, held on Saturday and Sunday at Oliver D. Appleton Golf Course.

Her excellent performance also saw her earn the Union College Women’s Golf Performer of the Week award and three more earning spots on the weekly honour roll.

Runsewe, while commending Essien, a product of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, on Wednesday, described her accomplishments as an inspiration to the younger generation.

He added that she was an ambassador of Nigeria’s grassroots golf development.

He said her exploits, while in college, was a fulcrum of great possibilities and renewed hope for Nigeria and Nigerians.

The NGF President said the success story of Essien was the motivating factor behind his desire to ensure that more talents were discovered at the grassroots in the country.

“Under my leadership as the NGF President, I have always emphasised the need to concentrate on grassroots development of the sport.

“This is why we have been able to build the Golf and Health Signature, a hub for the growth and development of young talents in the country.

“This is the way other advanced countries grew the game,” he said.

He said other countries started well and early, “and that’s exactly what we are also trying to achieve here at the Golf and Health Signature.

“These young talents are the future of the sport, and in a few years to come, they will represent Nigeria in different circuits around the world.”

He also commended the efforts of Essien’s parents who committed their time, energy and resources to seeing her through the most crucial part of her golfing career, while also ensuring that she gets the best education.

He urged other parents to borrow a leaf from Essien’s story and encourage their children to start playing golf at an early age.

He also assured of the NGF’s continued support for young golfers to enable them reach their full potential.

The NGF boss also called for more sponsorship by corporate bodies, private institutions and philanthropists to support grassroots development of the sport in the country. (NAN)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

Sports

Inalegwu wins 16th IBB Junior Open Golf championship

By Victor Okoye

David Inalegwu of Henry Seriake Dickson Golf and Country Club, Bayelsa on Sunday won the 16th IBB Junior Open Golf Championship in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day championship teed off on Friday at the IBB International Golf and Country Club (IBBIGCC), Abuja.

More than 146 junior players from across the country gathered at IBBIGCC for the tournament organised by the IBB Lady Golf Section led by Dame Julie Donli.

Inalegwu, who played a total of 223 gross, led over three days, shooting 74, 71, and 78, respectively, over 54 holes to clinch the championship title.

It was indeed a case of third time lucky for the 18-year-old who had finished fourth and as a runner-up in the 14th and 15th editions of the championship.

”It’s quite amazing that I won the tournament after finishing as the runner-up last year. It’s been quite a tough but exciting journey for me as I also finished fourth in 2022.

”So, it was a learning curve for me as I kept improving with each edition of the championship en route to this victory.

”It was not an easy task leading for three days, but I am happy that I emerged the overall winner,” Inalegwu said.

Also, David James grossed 231 to win the Boys 15-18 age category at the expense of Nandom Danjuma of Plateau Golf Academy and Robert Festus.

Destiny Oyero of lkeja Golf Club carded 242 to claim the boys 11-14 years age category, beating Unah Ogoh of Otukpo Golf Academy (245) and Matthew Ayi (242).

Deborah Dung of Plateau Golf Academy grossed 277 to win the girls 15-18 years old category, while Blessing Adah and Beatrice Onoja ensured that Otukpo Golf Academy swept the second and third prizes in the category.

In the girls 11 -14 years category, Josephine Benjamin of IBB International Golf and Country Club emerged winner after posting a total gross score of 225.

Omowonuola Olarenwaju (294) and Jennifer Akatu (313) finished as runner-up and second runner-up, respectively, in the category.

Wilson Izang (122), Abraham Dung (129), and Chinkinan Walshak (131) ensured that Plateau Golf Academy swept the stakes in the Boys 7-10 years category.

Similarly, Damaris Danladi (150), Funmilayo Oyero (160), and Ochanya Omakwu (162) emerged as winners, runners-up, and second runner-up, respectively, in the girl’s category.

The Lady Captain, Donli, said the event, with the theme of consolidating the future of golf in Nigeria, was a huge success in spite of all the challenges.

She also expressed gratitude to the families of the children who participated in the championship and everyone who contributed in one way or the other towards the success of the event.

”We understand perfectly how harsh the economy has been on us, and so we appreciate all of you and your families who sacrificed to ensure that you participated in the championship.

”The stress of registering for the tournament, getting you here and taking you back and other considerations that must have gone into the decision to have you play,” she said.

The Captain of IBBIGCC, Ibrahim Babayo, commended the IBB Ladies Golf Section (LGS), adding that it was a very successful championship.

NAN also reports that a minute of silence was observed for the two young golfers from Ekiti who lost their lives and others who sustained injuries on their way to Abuja for the tournament.

The contingent was involved in a ghastly motor accident around Kabba, Kogi on Wednesday. (NAN)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

Sports

World class golf facility ‘ll groom future “Tiger Woods” – NGF

By Victor Okoye

The President, Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, says the world class facility of the Golf and Health Signature (GHS) in Abuja would groom Nigerian professionals who would become “Tiger Woods” in future.

Runsewe stated this on the sidelines of a retreat organised by the IBB Ladies Golf Section (LGS) at the GHS in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the GHS boasts of one of the best golf training and health facilities in the world.

The NGF boss said the GHS was a unique golfing facility and the first of its kind in the country, adding that it was the only place one could learn how to play golf in less than two weeks.

He said that the facility was a unique one that will change that history line, adding that it boasts of a world class training environment, equipment and provisions required for proper golfing.

“Golf is no longer manual. It is an IT based sport and this is the major reason why most of us don’t play good golf in the country.

“This is because it is all about your body adapting to the tenants and techniques of the game, and once you get that right, it sticks forever.

“Most of us started playing golf between the ages 45 and 50 years when the body is already stiff.

“You can imagine that there is no single Nigerian playing golf in any circuit anywhere in the world

“So, what I want to achieve right here in this facility is to start grooming Nigerian professionals  that will go on to become the Tiger Woods of the future,” he said.

He said that the retreat by the 2024/2025 LGS Executive Committee members was a welcome development and an Initiative that should be sustained.

“I’d like to commend the IBB LGS for being unique, taking the initiative and bringing innovation into the golfing community.

“The retreat is unique and I commend them. That’s why I am giving them all the support for this to be successful.

“Only when Nigerians go abroad do they have this kind of opportunity to organise a retreat for playing golf, but today I am excited it’s happening right in Abuja.

“So for me, it’s a new beginning for us and I commend the organisers and I hope this won’t be the end as we continue to build from strength to strength,” he said.

Dame Julie Donli, the Lady Captain of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja said the retreat was to equip the 2024/2025 LGS executive committee team for the job ahead.

“We are already four months into our one year tenure.This retreat is therefore to equip us and to get us ready for the job.

“We are having different presentations by various experts and resource persons on different topics.

“Some of the topics include, leadership, emotional intelligence, how to deal with and speak to your team members as well as members of the Golf club generally.

“These are skills that are very difficult to imbibe as human beings, but with constant continuous learning, we hope to improve in these areas.

“So, this is indeed a very important segment of our one year tenure and we are here to learn to be better versions of ourselves,” she said.

Donli expressed her gratitude to the NGF president for choosing to host the IBB LGS executive members at his facility.

She said that the facility was a unique one that was equipped with a lot of rich history and artefacts as well as world class training and health equipment.

“Our host today, Otunba Runsewe, has been so gracious and he has done so well by inviting us to his facility for free.

“Everything we are doing here is on a pro bono basis, he hasn’t charged us for anything and he’s got one of the best facilities I have ever come across.

“It’s not so huge but I tell you it has a lot. We’ve been to the indoor golf gallery, the museum, and we’ve seen what a lot of people cannot imagine that we have in this country.

”I didn’t even know that we had what I saw and urge people to come here to see for themselves, so as to understand what I am talking about,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

General News

Nigerian military gets first female Professional golfer

By Victor Okoye

Sgt. Cynthia Maurice of the Nigerian Airforce has made history by becoming the country’s first Professional female golfer in the military.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week-long Professional Examinations which held from July 14 to July 20 took place at HSD Golf Club Bayelsa.

The examinations sanctioned by the Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria (PGAN) consisted of playing ability tests, written and oral.

Pro Emmanuel Odoh, the Assistant Resident Head Professional, TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, told NAN that Maurice’s journey was a testament to her resilience, perseverance, and determination.

Odoh said that her achievement had indeed paved the way for other female golfers in the military and inspired young girls to pursue careers in sports.

He noted that it also highlights the progress made in promoting gender equality and diversity in the Nigerian military.

“Just four years ago, Cynthia took up golf, inspired by the professionals she saw on the course. She set her sights on becoming a pro herself, refusing to settle for amateur status.

“With unwavering dedication, she channeled her mind and body towards her goal, sacrificing tirelessly to hone her skills.

“From a 36-handicap beginner to a professional golfer, Cynthia’s transformation is a remarkable achievement. Her hard work, discipline, and courage have earned her the crown of bravery, resilience, and honour.

“Today, we celebrate Cynthia’s remarkable journey, her perseverance, and her refusal to accept anything less than excellence. Congratulations, Pro Cynthia Maurice,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Maj. Gen. Samson Jiya, Captain, TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, presenting a gift to one of the caddies of the club, Ahmed Ibrahim, during the gifting and appreciation programme organised for caddies and course workers at TYBIGCC in Abuja on Wednesday. (Photo Credit: NAN)
Sports

TYB rewards golf caddies, course workers for contributions to club

By Victor Okoye

The TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club has rewarded 200 caddies and others for their contributions to the club.

The recipient categories, including caddies, course workers, cleaners, stewards and the professionals, were gifted with foodstuff and other items by executives of the club.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, held after the club’s midweek Kitty on Wednesday, is part of activities to mark the end of the year 2023.

In the one-day Kitty competition, organised by the club, J.O. Umoru playing off handicap 13, emerged the winner in the men’s category.

Umoru played a gross score of 45 over 9 holes to return a best net of 32.

Bose Nwoegbo, playing off handicap 13, emerged as the winner with a gross score of 47 over 9 holes to return a best net of 34 in the women’s category.

In the veteran’s category, Salis Usman was crowned the winner after he played 46 gross and returned 32 net.

Presenting the gifts to the beneficiaries, Captain of the Golf Club, Maj.-Gen. Samson Jiya said the reward was driven by the value of the participants to the club over the past one year.

“The club was actually established sometime in 2017 and it’s been our passion and our desire to give to our caddies, our professional workers and the general workers of this esteemed club.

He said it was also organised “to recognise them and to appreciate them for their trust, their sincerity and dedication to their duties.

“Members miss some items like their mobile phones, some other items and these less privileged boys and girls, in trust, bring those things back and we recognise them.

“So we just felt, as a duty from the club, we should reward them as a form of encouragement to them to do more,” Jiya said.

Also, the Lady captain of the Club, Sgt Maureen Apute said the items would spur the recipients to contribute their quota tirelessly in the overall interest of the club.

“It’s a yearly event; aside from the club doing this, we still have individual members that reach out to the caddies, especially those who have performed extremely well.

“So it’s our normal routine that we do here.

“Aside that, now that they are on holidays, they come to the golf course to work; so it’s a way of us also showing the parents that their coming here is not a waste of time,” Apute said.

Some members of the golf club also hailed the gesture of the club management.

They described the incentives by the exco as a good policy to sustain the day-to-day running of the club’s activities.

Maj.-Gen. Godwin Umelo said that the awardees had worked tirelessly throughout the year to maintain a playable course for the golfers and, thus, deserved to be rewarded.

“You know, maintaining a golf course is not quite easy; a lot of things need to be done.

“The fairways need to be cut almost regularly, the greens need to be watered and there are other ancillary services that have to go on to make the club what it is supposed to be.

“I think this is the only way we can say thank you to them.

“It might not be much but they say it is not what is given that matters, it is the spirit behind it,” he said.

Air Commodore Joseph Adeleke (rtd.) said the gesture was to encourage the recipients to work harder.

He stressed that it was always good to recognise those that had worked very well and hard.

“It’s a form of giving them a kick for a better tomorrow.

“When you recognise them, you put them in a position to want to work harder and improve on what they’ve done before.

“Everybody wants to be recognised but we recognise on a positive note,” Adeleke said.

Vice-Captain of the Club, Ali Peters, lauded the awardees for their hard work which had enabled the club to succeed both in the golf course and in the running of the club house.

“Some of them are caddies, they’ve helped us with our game.

“Some are cleaners who have been here also to make sure that the club house and the environment had been kept clean.

“Some are also the pros; they’ve been here to teach us and direct the game also.

“So we said let’s give back to people who are here; they are not as fortunate as some of us who are members.

“We decided to give back to them, just a little token, to show appreciation to them,” he said.

He said that the new executives of the club, which took over management four months ago, had done very well so far with the help of the caddies and course workers.

According to him, the club has had the privilege of hosting top dignitaries as well as Organising major tournaments within the short period. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

AVM Dalhat Ladan, receiving his trophy after emerging winner of the 37, 38 Regular Course retirement kitty at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja. (Photo Credit: NAN)
Sports

Ladan emerges winner of 37, 38 Regular Course retirement kitty

By Victor Okoye

Air Vice Marshall Dalhat Ladan has emerged the overall best net winner of the retirement kitty for Regular Course 37 and 38 military officers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 18-hole Special Retirement Kitty played at the TYB Golf Club was in honour of the Regular Course 37 and 38 military officers.

Ladan playing off handicap 16 with a gross score of 80 and 64 net won the overall best net prize.

S.J Marcus won the over best net prize in the ladies’ category after she played off handicap 15 with a gross score of 83 and 68 net.

Maj.- Gen. I.T Ali, won the best net prize for the 37 Regular Course category after playing off handicap 22 and posted a gross score of 94 and 72 net.

While Retired Maj.-Gen. D. Ehiorobo took home the best net prize for the 38 Regular Course category after playing off handicap 21 and posted a gross score of 89 and 68 net.

Ladan told NAN on the sidelines of the award on Monday that he was elated and proud to have won the best net prize, adding that the organisation of the tournament was top-notch.

“As a golfer, it is always a thing of joy and pride whenever you win a competition.

“Whenever we come to play golf, every golfer comes with the intention of winning, so when you win, you are very proud of yourself.

“This competition, which is the 37 and 38 Regular Course retirement tournament, was a very well organised one, and I am very happy to have participated in it.

“I am proud to also have emerged as one of the winners of the competition having emerged as the overall best net winner of the day.

He noted that the victory was no mean feat as he was up against some very good players in the tournament.

“Indeed, we had very good players as it was a keenly contested competition.

“Although, I emerged as the best player today, but it doesn’t mean that I will continue to be the best.

“Sometimes the game just comes. It is your lucky day, and you play well, and that was exactly what happened to me today,” he said.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa told NAN that the purpose of the tournament was to honour the retired senior military officers for their unwavering commitment to serving the nation.

“Golf is good for gentlemen and everyonwhoat loves playing the game.

“We know the health implications and how golf encourages good health, friendship and spirit of sportsmanship.

“That’s why we are here to celebrate members of the 37 and 38 Regular Course retirement kitty.

“Just to honour them and tell them thank you for their service to humani, y and now they have more time to play golf, which means they will even be healthier than before,” he said.

Maj.-Gen. Samson Jiya, the Captain of TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abu, a appreciated the CDS for finding time out of his busy schedule to o e retired senior military officers.

“In spite his tight schedule, he has found time to come and grace our seniors’ 37 and 38 Regular Courses retirement kitty.

“We expect to see more of them in retirement here at the club, to come and keep fit, exerci, e and have good swings,” he said.

Jiya explained that golf was a gamthat madees one exercise all the way from the head to the toes.

He noted the length of the least golf course was about 6 to 8 km, adding that it wasn’t as strenuous like football.

“So, it is very important that men and women engage in golf and you only walk briskly, take your sh, t and have time to discuss with friends.

“Unlike football that is too strenuous and if you look at the ages of our senior officers who have retired and whom we are honouring, of course you know, football is out of the question for them.

“So, golf is the bessportts that they can engage in,” he said.

The LOC Chairman, Maj. Gen. Bolaji Salami said golf was life and encouraged the retired senior military officers to take to the game while out of service.

“Today’s golf is all about life because golf itself is life.

“So, that is why we are all gathered here to celebrate us (members of 37 and 38 Regular Cours , that have retired from service.

“We want to encourage them that in and out of service, golf is the type of sport they should be involved in,” he said.

Ali Peters, the Vice Captain of T, B also expressed gratitude to the CDS for honouring the club’s invitation to serve as a special guest of honour at the event.

He said that the CDS had showed his commitment and dedication as a member of the club and the game of golf. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Mohammed Suleiman, men’s gross winner being presented his prize at the 2023 TopFx Golf tournament award ceremony in Abuja
Sports

2023 TopFx Golf Tourney: Suleiman, Mamza sweep best gross men, ladies’ prizes

By Victor Okoye

Mohammed Suleiman and Deanne Mamza have emerged as winners of the men and ladies highest gross category.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 120 golfers slugged it out for honours in a stroke format, over the 18-holes at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

It was all fun galore as the maiden edition of the TopFx Golf tournament came to an end on Sunday, with a colourful dinner to celebrate winners in different categories.

Mohammed Suleiman playing off handicap 2 with a total gross score of 75 emerged the winner of the highest male gross category.

Deanne Mamza playing off handicap 19 with 96 gross took home the prize for the ladies highest gross category.

In the Men’s Division 1 category (for handicap 0 to 18), Okey Akobundu playing off handicap 17 with a gross of 85 and 68 net emerged winner.

While Biju Sunita playing off handicap 34 with a gross score of 106 and 69 net won the prize for the Ladies Division 1 category.

Former IBB Lady Captain, Joy Ikwe playing off handicap 27 with 108 gross and 81 net finished as runner-up in the category.

In the Auxiliary award category, Mamza won both the prize for the longest drive and nearest to the pin ladies with a distance of 195 metres and 12.10 ft respectively.

Joe Opio and T. Amanambu won the prize for the longest drive (275 metres) and nearest to the pin (3.6 ft) respectively in the men’s category.

Present at the colourful was the West Africa Regional Manager, TopFX Ada Ogbuehi, alongside other top management staff of the company.

Ada Ogbuehi, TopFx West Africa Regional Manager told newsmen that she was so excited about the large number of golfers that turned up for the maiden edition.

She said that the brand was looking forward to hosting so many more editions of the tournament, adding that the 2024 edition promises to be bigger and better.

The tournament which teed-off on Friday ended on Sunday at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Sola Adebayo, the Competition’s Secretary, IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja; representative of the Club Captain, Olabanjo Obaleye, and West Africa Regional Manager TopFX, Ada Ogbuehi during a pre-tournament press conference ahead of the TopFX maiden golf tournament in Abuja
Sports

120 players for TopFX maiden golf tournament in Abuja

By Emmanuel Afonne

No fewer than 120 golfers are set to participate in the maiden TopFX Golf Tournament scheduled to tee off on Saturday at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament, billed for the 18-hole course at the prestigious golf club, is being organised for members of the Golf Club comprising the men, women and the veterans’ categories.

The one-day competition, which has already generated interest among members of the club, will see golfers slugging it out for honours in a stroke format play over the 18-holes.

Captain of the IBB Golf Club, Olabanjo Obaleye, said at a pre-tournament news conference on Friday, that the tournament would provide lots of opportunities to the golfers.

Obaleye, who was represented by the Club’s Competition Secretary, Sola Adebayo, said that participants would leverage on the tournament to showcase their worth.

He said that the tournament would be keenly contested with mouth-watering prizes up for grabs in the various categories.

Obaleye added that all necessary arrangements that would guarantee a hitch-free competition had been put in place.

He said that the tournament would begin with a cocktail later on Friday night to usher in the main event.

“We are happy to have TopFX organising the tournament, and it is a nice time to reach out to golfers.

“We are starting the tournament with a cocktail later today, while the tournament proper will be on Saturday, and we will play over a round of 18- holes for both men and women categories.’’

He also said that the tournament would feature other side attractions including raffle draws which would see participants win redeemable vouchers.

“There’s going to be raffle draws on Saturday and presentation of medals and trophies to the various winners.

“Only members of the IBB Golf Club can participate in this inaugural edition, and it is strictly for amateur golfers,” he said.

The West Africa Regional Manager of TopFX, Ada Ogbuehi, said her company was excited to partner with the IBB International Golf and Country Club in organising the tournament.

“TopFX is an Institutional Prime Brokerage founded in 2010 to provide superior trading conditions and exceptional pricing to professional and institutional clients.

“So, we like to associate with prestigious bodies like IBB International Golf and Country Club. We are happy to network and socialise with the golf team,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Nnenna Ahube, Lady Captain of the Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC), NigeriaLNG Ltd., winner of the 2023 Nigeria Ladies Open in Abuja with her trophy
Sports

Golf: Ahube emerges winner of 2023 Nigeria Ladies Open

By Victor Okoye

Nnenna Ahube, Lady Captain of the Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC), NigeriaLNG Ltd., has emerged as the winner of the 2023 Nigeria Ladies Open in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ahube who represented the Eastern Zone finished as the overall winner on Sunday after playing 251 gross over three days.

Ahube playing handicap (HCP) 12, returned a gross scores of 85, 81 and 85 on a three consecutive days totaling 251 gross.

The result saw her triumph over no fewer than 125 lady golfers who competed for the prestigious 2023 Nigerian Ladies Open trophy at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja.

“I came all the way to represent the Eastern zone and today, I am taking the trophy home from Abuja to Bonny Island.

“I played with amazing ladies from different golf clubs across the country.

“It was just my lucky day. I mean, it was exhausting but golf is what it is,” Ahube said.

She, however noted that the course was quite challenging as it was her first experience playing at the TYB International Golf Resort Resort and Club.

The BIGC lady captain expressed joy that she was able to surmount all the challenges at the end of the pulsating encounter.

“On the zonal competition which was my first day, I played six on hole one but then the three days of the championship, I played pars on them.

“And then we got to hole three where the flag was placed in a very difficult position.

“I saw some people play 12, 14, but I made it. I was three on the green and ended up playing out 7.

“So, those were my highlights and most challenging holes on the final day,” she said.

Ahube was closely followed by Blessing Obaje from Northern zone with a total score of 253 over 18 holes in the handicap 0-18 category.

Comfort Adokole with 255 gross and Rita Izoje with 261 gross finished as 1st and 2nd runners-up respectively.

In the Auxiliary prizes, Obioma Elijah shot 230 metres off tee, which was adjudged as the longest drive on Day 1.

Grace Ogeili with a 245 metres off tee effort, won the prize for the longest drive on Day 2.

Angel Ajuzie won the nearest to the pin prize with her 4.2 metres effort on Day 1, while Faith Otunyo won nearest to the pin with a 6.7 metres effort on Day 2.

NAN also reports that Sandra Emina and Igho Ugbehu of the Southern Zone won the zonal competition which had West, East and Northern zones vie for honours.

Sandra Komakech and Blessing Obaje who both represented the Northern Zone finished second.

The duo of Helen Ayo and Nnena Ahube of the Eastern Zone settled for the third position, while the pair of Hauwa Adamu and Susan Marcus of the Western Zone finished at the bottom of the log.

The Northern Zone representatives impressed the judges the most in the march past parade and were adjudged the winners, followed by the Eastern Zone in second position.

The Western and Southern Zone finished third and fourth respectively.

The 2023 Nigeria Ladies Open which was organised by LGAN began on Thursday and ended on Sunday at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Lady Golfer, Lami Ahmed
Sports

Lady golfer advocates participation of more women in golf

By Victor Okoye

Lami Ahmed, Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), Zonal Vice-Presidential candidate for the North, has called for participation of more women in the game of golf.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ahmed is vying for the position of the LGAN Zonal Vice-President, North, at the upcoming elections.

The election is expected to take place immediately after the 2023 Nigeria Ladies Open, organised by LGAN in Abuja.

The event began on Thursday and is expected to end on Sunday at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club.

Ahmed told NAN on the sidelines of the tournament on Saturday that her agenda was to ensure the active participation of ladies in the Northern Zone, in golf.

“When I become the zonal vice-president, North, by the grace of God, my agenda will be majorly focused on the Northern ladies.

“One of the things I want to bring on board is to have more women playing golf.

“I will also ensure that more clubs in the North that are in existence and don’t have the ladies section become active in that area.

“I want to meet one-on-one with the captains of these various clubs to give opportunities to the ladies, their wives, sisters, and so on, to play,” she said.

She also said that her concern was the well-being of the Ladies in the North, adding that playing golf was a sure way for them to stay healthy.

The former Lady Captain of IBB International Golf and Country Club also pointed out that golf was one out of the few sports one never retires from playing.

“Golf is a game of life and we are also interested in the well-being of women and one of the ways to improve our well-being is to ensure that ladies play golf.

“If you compare all the games that people play now – football, table-tennis, squash, and so on, golf is one of the very few games that you can play from cradle to your old age, and it is very healthy.

“So, women should be entitled to play such a game that is so beneficial to their health,” she said.

She described golf as a unifying factor, adding that there was a need for ladies in the North to develop a strong bond that could go beyond the game.

“I also want to see a United Northern ladies where we come together to build a team and become friends so that we can take relationships beyond golf.

“Golf brings us together but we are first of all human beings before becoming golf players.

“So we must play together, love each other, come out and enjoy ourselves for recreation,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited By Emmanuel Afonne