By Victor Okoye

No fewer than 350 golfers are set to slug it out for honours in the IBB International Golf and Country Club Lady Captain’s Cup 2025 scheduled to hold from April 2 to 6 in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the Lady Captain’s Cup is a prestigious tournament that brings together high networth individuals, business leaders, golf enthusiasts, and community supporters.

The participants are expected to come together for a week of competition, networking and celebration of the achievements of the Ladies Golf Section under the leadership of the Lady Captain, Julie Donli.

Donli told newsmen that the event offers an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate golfers, corporate and individual sponsors of the Ladies Golf Section and engage diverse audiences.

“It has been an incredible journey serving as the Lady Captain of the IBB International Golf
and Country Club with our Theme for the Year “Ladies Supporting Ladies”

“I have enjoyed the honour of leading an exceptional group of women who are committed to the advancement of golf and the well-being of our community.

“l am filed with gratitude for the incredible journey we have shared. Over the past year, we
have accomplished so much together.

“We have hosted remarkable tournaments, expanding our membership, giving back to the community, developing infrastructure, and strengthening the legacy of the ladies Golf Section (LGS),” she said.

She noted that under her leadership, activities at the club have been vibrant and impactful with key highlights.

“Some of our highlights include a significant increase in the weekly Thursday Kitty participation, growing from 28 to over 190 players.

“Hosting of major tournaments, including the 26th IBB Ladies Amateur Golf Open Championship and 25th lBB Ladies Close Championship.

“Expansion of the Junior Open Championship, leading to two young Nigerian golfers
earning World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR).

“Completion of a four-unit toilet and storage facility at the Driving Range, enhancing
club infrastructure.

“Sponsorship mobilisation, strengthening financial sustainability as well as national and international engagements,” she said.

She expressed her heartfelt appreciation to their sponsors, partners, and everyone who worked
tirelessly to make the remarkable successes recorded in this committee possible.

She said that their unwavering support had been instrumental to the success of the LGS 2024/2025 Committee.

She called on all participants to display the spirit of sportsmanship, adding that she would love to be remembered for being a lady captain who was committed to her job, dedicated, hardworking, and passionate.

“As we look forward to an exciting round of golf, championship Ball/Prize presentation for the next couple of days, I encourage all participants to embrace the spirit of fair play, friendship, and excellence.

“Together, we will continue to grow the game of golf and inspire even greater achievements as I look forward to a memorable event,” she said.

Omon Isemede, the Social Secretary, said that the LGS Committee had lined up a series of exciting events for the week-long tournament.

“The first day which is April 2 is the Caddies Versus Ladies Competition because we intend to make it all-inclusive event, so we can’t leave out our caddies, including our pros will be playing on that day.

“We will also be having a CPR training for the caddies and ladies on that day because they are usually the first responders in the event of an emergency in the golf course.

“Thursday, April 3 will be the turn of the veterans /super veterans (men/ladies) competition as well as sickle cell anaemia enlightenment and awareness session.

“Category 3 (men/ladies) 24.3 and above will be playing on Friday, while Saturday, April 5 will be the ceremonial tee off with quite a number of dignitaries expected to grace the occasion

“The ceremonial tee-off will be followed by category 2 players (men/ ladies) (handicap index (15.8-24.2) event.

“Sunday, April 6, which is the final day will see category 1 (0.5-15.7) players (men/ladies) as well as our sponsors slugging it out on the green with the dinner/ prize giving ceremony scheduled for 5:30 p.m.,” she said.

Isemede also revealed that the overall winner would be smiling home with a business class return ticket to London, courtesy of Air Peace.

NAN also reports that the LGS Committee also visited a motherless babies’ home in Gishiri shortly after a press conference held at the club on Thursday.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh