By Victor Okoye
Chidi Momah has been crowned champion of the 2023 Captain’s Inaugural tournament at the IBB International Golf and Country Club (IBBIGCC), Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament which began on Tuesday ended on Saturday with a dinner and presentation of prizes to deserved winners in the various categories.
Momah emerged the overall winner of the event after playing off handicap 18 with a gross score of 84 and overall best nett score of 66.
A very elated Momah told NAN that he played good golf even though it was kind of unexpected due to the fact that he had not been playing well of late.
“So, to play the best golf I have played in a while and win this tournament is very special.
“I played with two very nice people and we had a good rapport in my route. The weather was very nice which is important.
“My tee-shots, shots on the green and my potting was very good and everything came together.
“Even when I had an initial problem on some holes, I made up for it on other holes. So, it went well and I was very pleased with myself,” he said.
Former Nigeria number one ranked golfer Andrew Odoh won the prize in the professional category after he played 75 gross.
He was closely followed by IBB resident pro Andrew Dominic who played 76 gross to beat his challenger on countback and settle for the runner up prize in the category.
“Whenever you win, it’s a positive feeling that you always get. So, I am very happy that I won the event because it could have gone any other way.
“I feel like it’s one of those ones I just managed to nick off because I played really badly from the start.
“But luckily for me, alot of the guys were also struggling but the best guy will always come up tops.
“No matter how tough the course is, there is always going to be a winner and I am happy I won,” an excited Odoh told NAN.
Mohammed Suleiman emerged winner of the best gross men after playing off handicap 3 with a gross score of 75.
He was closely followed by Abang Ogah who played off handicap 2 with a gross score of 81 to finish as runner-up.
Saadu Baloni who played off handicap 4 with a gross score of 82 settled for the 1st runner up position.
In the men’s division 1 category for handicap 0 to 10, Oladipo Sanya was adjudged the winner after playing off handicap 9 with a gross score of 79 and 70 nett.
Ashir Tarfa finished as runner up in the category, playing off handicap 9 with a gross score of 84 and 75 nett.
The IBBIGCC Captain, Banjo Obaleye settled for the 1st runner up position in the category after he played off handicap 10 with a gross score of 85 and 75 nett.
In the ladies division 1 category for handicap 0 to 18, Past Lady Captain Grace Ihonvbere emerged winner after playing off handicap 12, with a gross score of 84 and 72 nett.
The IBBIGCC Captain, Obaleye told NAN that despite the heavy down experienced at the closing ceremony, he was grateful to God for the good weather experienced throughout the week-long tournament.
“Everybody was able to complete the tournament without any hitches. Even at the award presentation despite the weather, we managed to wrap up what was an outstanding tournament.
“Golf is a game for everybody. It is not as elitist as people look at it and not a game for the “big pockets” as many people erroneously believe it is.
“It is a game everyone can participate in. It is game of contest and one that shows who you truly are. It’s even a game you can use to tame your emotional imbalances,” he said.
He also thanked the members of the Organising Committee and the Chairman, Chris Jemitola as well as all the sponsors for their hardwork and support towards a successful tournament.
No fewer than 400 golfers and 100 tennis players from across the country took part in the week-long tournament organised to officially usher in Obaleye as the 26th captain of the prestigious golf club. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)