By Victor Okoye
Teenage golfing sensation, Grace Agbo of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja is the champion of the 2025 Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) Northern zone Golf Championship.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the championship that commenced on Wednesday ended on Saturday in Minna, Niger State.
No fewer than 250 golfers from across the country jostled for honours at the unique and lush green course of the Minna Cantonment Golf Club (MCGC).
Agbo emerged as the best gross champion, after she returned a total gross score of 246 over three days to beat 45 other lady golfers who made the final cut in the ladies handicap 0-18 female category on Saturday.
The 18-year-old overcame initial nerves, which saw her returning a disappointing 90 gross on Day 1 as she dropped to the fourth position on the leaderboard.
She, however, bounced back, returning 83 gross to tie for second with Janet Ali (87, 86) on Day 2.
She carried the momentum all the way to the third and final day, where she played her best golf of the championship, returning an impressive 73 gross to claim an emphatic victory.
“First of all, I want to say thank you to God Almighty for this victory.
“I also want to express my sincere gratitude to my caddy Emmanuel and my coach for their useful tips and guidance throughout the tournament.
“I think this is one of my best wins ever because I came out with a good score, even though I started my game initially on the back foot because I was nervous, especially because this was my first time playing here.
“My greatest challenge was the presence of the mango trees everywhere on the course, but I conquered my fears and anxiety after day 1 and never looked back afterwards.
“My goal is to continue to build on what I have achieved so far in the game as I look forward to becoming a pro very soon and represent Nigeria in different tours and courses around the world,” she said.
Her closest challenger, Justina Gideon returned a total gross score of 259 after playing 87, 86, 86 over three days to finish second, beating Janet Ali on countback.
Ali had to settle for the third position after she also returned a total gross score of 259, playing 86, 88, 85 over three days.
Rahama Inusa who had initially shot to the top of the leader board on Day 1 with an impressive 82 gross and maintained her lead on Day 2 with 87 gross, failed to hold on to her lead (-4).
Inusa looked poised to give the other top three lady golfers a run for their money going into the final day.
She, however, cracked under pressure in the crucial moments to finish fourth on the leaderboard after returning a disappointing 91 gross on Day 3 for a total gross score of 260 over three days.
NAN also reports that in other results, Bose Ilori, emerged winner of the ladies handicap 19 – 28 category after she returned a total of 275 gross (93, 93, 89) over three days.
LGAN President Evelyn Oyome was the winner of the ladies guest category after she returned a total of 169 gross (85, 84) over two days.
The ladies veterans category’s top prize went to Saleh Martina after she returned 204 gross (101, 103) over two days.
Also, Habiba Ibrahim emerged winner of the ladies special category for handicap 29 – 36 after she returned 115 gross.
The winners of the different categories as well as all participants smiled home with trophies, medals and beautiful gifts.
Dr Lami Ahmed, LGAN’s 1st Vice president who was full of praise for all who made the event successful, expressed her gratitude to LOC, the Commandant, TRADOC, the MCGC Captain, lady captain, patron, and all participants at the event.
She also thanked all the LGAN Vice presidents from the various zones for their presence which she noted made the event truly special.
“On behalf of the National President Evelyn Oyome and the entire team, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for joining us at the golf tournament at the Minna Cantonment Golf Club.
“Your presence made the event truly special, and we hope you had a wonderful time both on and off the course.
“We are deeply indebted in gratitude to all our sponsors and stakeholders whose financial contributions and faith in LGAN made this happen.
“I wish us all safe travels back home and looking forward to seeing you again soon. Thank you for playing the tournament,” she said.
Also, the LOC Chairperson, Maureen Apute expressed her gratitude on behalf of the 1st Zonal Vice President Dr Ahmed and the entire LOC.
Apute noted that the tournament brought together golfers from diverse backgrounds, ages, and skill levels.
“I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our National president Evelyn Oyome for joining us at the golf tournament at the Minna Cantonment Golf Club.
“Your presence made the event truly special, and we hope you had a wonderful time both on and off the course.
“To The captain MCGC and Exco members we all are most grateful for being our host we really had fun.
“Our profound gratitude also goes to all our sponsors and stakeholders whose financial contributions and faith in LGAN made this happen.
“To our beautiful lady golfers from all over the country you made this tournament so colourful and enjoyable,
“To our wonderful men and support system thank you for honoring our invite to be part of this tournament. Above all we want to thank God for a successful outing,” she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)