By Victor Okoye
Isaiah Okonofua has emerged champion of the 2024 IBB Independence Golf Tournament at the IBB International Golf and Country, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 400 players from Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and Cameroon, jostled for honours at the prestigious event.
The tournament, which commenced with the tennis competition on Sept. 15, rounded off Nigeria’s Independence Day anniversary with the announcement of the winners of different categories on Tuesday night.
Okonofua, a member of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja emerged as the overall winner of the 64th Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary Golf event.
In a rare showing and playing off handicap 9, the amateur golfer played 75 gross with a best net of 66 to beat over 400 other contestants for the coveted trophy.
Okonofua, told newsmen on the sidelines of the prize/award presentation ceremony that he was humble and honoured to have emerged as the winner of this year’s tournament.
“At the beginning I was nervous because when I saw the draw, I discovered that I was paired with two professional golfers.
“I, aman amateur to play alongside two strong professionals, I must be on top of my game. However, I started poorly due to my nervousness, but I spoke to myself to stop comparing my game with that of the pros.
“From then on, the narrative changed and that was how I kept improving with every hole and played my best golf ever at the IBBIGCC,” he said.
He said that the week-long event to celebrate the 64th Independence Anniversary of the country had been a great and exciting one.
Okonofua added that he was so happy to have also represented the country in the single and double match play where Nigeria defeated Ghana to emerge champions.
NAN reports that in other results, P. Uzezi who played off handicap 10, played 80 gross to emerge as best gross winner, after defeating E. Edoka on countback.
Godwin Okoko won the highest prize in the professional male category which had a prize money of N5 million, after he played gross of score 68.
Rachael Danjuma won the highest prize for pros in the female category with a gross score of 80.
Uzezi won the best gross award, after he played off handicap 10, with 80 gross to beat M. Suleiman on countback.
In the Division 1 men category (for handicap 0 to 10) , S. I . Adebayo emerged winner after he played off handicap 10 with 83 gross and 73 net.
In the ladies division 1 category, former IBB lady captain, Grace Ihonvbere who played off handicap 16, took home the winner’s prize after playing 89 gross and 73 net.
In the Auxiliary category, Grace Agbo won the prize for the longest drive with a distance of 228 metres, while Francis Amuzu won the men’s category with a distance of 296 metres.
Osaro Amadin smiled home with the award for the nearest to the pin ladies with a distance of 2.0 ft, while Silas Ahiaba emerged winner in the men’s category also with a distance of 2.0 ft.
The host captain, Ibrahim Babayo, who was full of praise for all who made the event successful, said this year’s event would go down in history as one of the most attended and well organised tournament.
“I will like to thank everyone who has contributed to making this celebration a success, especially our sponsors who have been cheerful givers even in these difficult times.
“I also salute the Vice Captain, Dr James Agbonhese, who doubles as the Chairman of the Organising Committee as well as the eminent and distinguished members of the Organising Committee 2024.
“The course superintendent and his team are also highly appreciated for keeping the course in good shape and, most importantly, our members for your immense support,” he said.
The chairman, organising committee, and vice-captain of the club, Dr James Agbonhese said golf is becoming a big foreign policy in a lot of countries, and Nigeria cannot afford to sit back and watch.
He appreciated the guests and golf enthusiasts for honouring the club’s invitation, adding that the tournament had brought together golfers from diverse backgrounds, ages and skill levels.
“Over the last few days, you must have had the chance to tackle our challenging but lush course and enjoyed the refreshing hospitality.
“Whether you are a seasoned pro or an amateur enthusiast, it was an opportunity to showcase your skills, learn from others, and forge lasting connections during the various stages of the tournament.
“Our sponsors and partners have graciously supported this event, and we are grateful for their commitment.
“To the participants, we hope your swings were smooth, your putts precise, and your enjoyment limitless.
“We thank God for the friendship inspired by this tournament and the fostering of our national pride as well as the unforgettable memories,” he said.
Highlights of the day were the presentation of trophies and prizes to various winners.(NAN)
