By Victor Okoye
No fewer than 150 golfers converged at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf and Country Club (TYB-IGRCC), Abuja, for the TYB Ladies Section Weekly Kitty tournament.
The event, with the motto “TYB Ladies, Strength in Unity… Come Let’s Swing to Camaraderie,” attracted female golfers, veterans and dignitaries, promoting friendship and healthy competition.
The club, in collaboration with EHA Clinics, also provided free medical checks for participants before the game as a precautionary measure.
Medical personnel checked participants’ blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and oxygen saturation levels (SpO²) on the sidelines.
The ceremonial tee-off was performed by Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed, President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), alongside Mrs Helen Mark and other dignitaries.
Ahmed commended the organisers for promoting women’s participation in golf while prioritising players’ health and wellness.
“Golf is not only about competition but also wellness, friendship and discipline. Events like this strengthen unity among women golfers and encourage healthy living,” she said.
She also congratulated the newly inaugurated Lady Captain of TYB-IGRCC, Jumai Adamu, for organising the event.
“We are here for the official kick-off of the TYB Ladies Weekly Kitty. I congratulate the Lady Captain and her team for putting this together,” she said.
Ahmed described the turnout as impressive and a sign of strong camaraderie among female golfers.
“The kitty provides an avenue for ladies to compete, develop their skills, improve their handicap and stay fit ahead of tournaments,” she said.
She advised the Lady Captain to build an inclusive ladies’ section that accommodates both existing and new members.
“She should introduce programmes to hone the skills of the ladies and encourage participation in tournaments outside the club,” Ahmed said.
Ahmed also urged members to support the upcoming All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT).
“She has been supportive in promoting the AACT and we encourage her to mobilise members to ensure the successful hosting of the project,” she said.
Jumai Adamu, Lady Captain of TYB-IGRCC, expressed delight at the large turnout for the weekly kitty.
“We give thanks to God for making this possible. This is our debut Thursday Weekly Kitty since I assumed office,” she said.
Adamu said she was overwhelmed by the turnout, describing it as the biggest kitty event recorded by the ladies’ section.
“We have never had it this big before. I am honoured to have the LGAN President and other dignitaries here,” she said.
She noted that her administration had already begun implementing some of its pledges to improve the ladies’ section.
“We have revamped and upgraded the toilet facility in the ladies’ section to raise the standard of our facilities,” Adamu said.
Adamu also announced the donation of two large canopies to the ladies’ section.
“The canopies will serve dual purposes. We will no longer rent canopies during our kitty tournaments,” she said.
She added that the canopies would also generate revenue for the ladies’ section when rented to members organising tournaments.
“Many golfers organise tournaments here, so they can now hire the canopies from us and support the ladies’ section,” she said.
Adamu expressed optimism that the ladies’ section would continue to grow under her leadership.
“I pray that God continues to provide the resources, support and goodwill needed to achieve more,” she said.
She also thanked the club captain, Brig.-Gen. Nicholas Ashinze, for providing the ladies’ section with an office.
“This is the first time in the history of the club that the ladies have a befitting office,” Adamu said.
Mrs Helen Mark commended the organisers for promoting friendship, sportsmanship and women’s empowerment through golf.
“This gathering reflects the strength of unity among women and the opportunities golf provides for networking and relaxation,” she said.
Barr. Zainab Ibrahim Bio, Interim Vice Lady Captain of TYB-IGRCC, said the event demonstrated the club’s commitment to inclusiveness.
“The kitty allows experienced and new golfers to interact, learn and enjoy the spirit of the game,” she said.
Dr Ali Peters, Vice Captain of TYB-IGRCC, described the turnout as encouraging for the growth of golf.
“The large participation shows our efforts to promote golf and create a friendly environment are yielding results,” he said.
Dame Julie Donli, OON, immediate past Lady Captain of IBB International Golf and Country Club, said the event showed strong support for the TYB Lady Captain.
“Today we are here to support the Lady Captain of TYB-IGRCC. This is the first edition of the weekly kitty and we hope it becomes a huge success,” she said.
Donli noted that the large turnout indicated growing interest in the tournament.
“As you can see from the turnout, it has been very successful with many men and women joining us. It can only get bigger and better,” she said.
She recalled that during her tenure as Lady Captain at IBB Golf Club, the weekly kitty attracted large participation.
“During my time at IBB Golf Club, we had at least 200 players every week. It became more than a tournament, and I hope the same happens here at TYB,” she said.
Dr Sewuese Bitto, a member of TYB Golf Club, commended the organisers for incorporating health checks into the event.
“It is encouraging to see organisers prioritising players’ health, especially for older golfers,” she said.
Ursula Wada, a super veteran golfer, described the tournament as inspiring for senior players.
“At my age, events like this keep us active and connected with friends,” she said.
Mrs Maryam Shehu, a member of IBB International Golf and Country Club and an AACT Ambassador, also commended the initiative.
“Today we are here to tee off the very first weekly kitty in the tenure of the new Lady Captain of TYB-IGRCC.
“I am glad that we will be having this kitty as we converge at the club every Thursday.
“I want to commend the Lady Captain and appreciate the fact that she has started well and hit the ground running immediately.
“Within a couple of weeks, we have already begun to see the initiatives she has brought on board, and we are also aware of the other things she plans to achieve during her tenure.
“I wish her all the best and expect that she will keep her eyes on the ball, avoid distractions and ensure the implementation of all the programmes she has lined up for the ladies’ section,” she said.
Lizzy Asomugha, a fmr. Lady Captain and Rotary President highly commended the New Lady Captain for organizing such a beautiful kitty to start her tenure.
Asomugha described the maiden weekly kitty under the new administration as a strong start that demonstrated vision and commitment to the growth of women’s golf in the club.
“I highly commend the new Lady Captain for organising such a beautiful kitty to kick off her tenure. The turnout and atmosphere show that the ladies’ section is moving in the right direction,” she said.
She noted that events like the weekly kitty were essential for strengthening friendship among members while also improving the competitive standard of female golfers.
“Golf is not just about playing the game; it is about building relationships, supporting one another and creating opportunities for growth. This initiative is a wonderful platform to achieve that,” Asomugha said.
NAN also reports that the weekly kitty ended with friendly interactions among participants, reinforcing unity and camaraderie among members of the TYB Ladies Section. (NAN)