By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Oct. 14, 2024 (NAN) Grace Agbo has emerged champion of the 2nd Tukur Yusuf Buratai (TYB) Ladies Golf Open championship in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Agbo clinched the international tournament’s most coveted trophy after she played 239 gross over three days, posting a score of 78, 85, 76 on the first, second and third day respectively.
She was closely followed by the first runner up Susan Marcus with 240 gross (81, 78, 81) and the second runner up Evelyn Oyome who finished with 243 gross (79, 79, 85).
The 18-year- old whose eyes were filled with tears of joy told NAN after lifting the championship title that winning the title was a dream come true for her.
“It was not easy but I gave it my best and I am glad that my efforts yielded a positive result at the end.
“I started well on the front foot on day one, but fell short of my expectation on the second day after playing 85 gross.
“I was really disappointed but assured myself that I could do better and make up for my errors by posting a great score and making three birdies on the final day.
“The front nine had been a tough nut to crack, but I conquered it this time around, playing 36; a feat which I never dreamt of achieving and that was indeed the turning point for me,” she said.
She said her goal was to turn pro very soon, adding that her idol was the great American professional lady golfer, Nelly Korda.
“I have promised myself that I will not only end up playing golf in Nigeria, but will go ahead to become a world champion in future.
“I really want to inspire the youths in the country that they can achieve their dreams through discipline and hardwork and this is part of what the game of Golf teaches you,” she said.
Pro Emmanuel Odoh won the highest prize in the professional category after he knicked in a total of four birdies and played 68 gross.
Joy Ekhator won the category 2 women award after posting a score of 86, 87, 88 with a total gross of 261 over three days.
Martina Saleh emerged winner of the women’s vetran category with 189 gross over two days (95, 94).
In the women’s Special Category for handicap 29 to 36, Emem Thompson came out tops with 99 gross over 18 holes.
Omon Isemede playing off handicap 36 with 104 gross and 68 net won the Ladies Sponsors category, while Mustspha Onoyiveta playing off handicap 12 with 79 gross and 67 net won the same prize in the male category.
Timothy Mike came tops in men’s category 1 for handicap 0 to 9, after playing off handicap 3, with 66 gross and 63 net.
In men’s category 2 for handicap 10 to 18, S.K. Haruna playing off handicap 11 with 74 gross and 63 net emerged best net winner in the category.
While Ibrahim Usman won the men’s category 3 for handicap 19 to 28, after playing off handicap 20 with 88 gross and a best net of 68.
Martins Adaboh won the best net in the men’s vetran category for handicap 0 to 14, after playing off handicap 11 with 86 gross and 75 net.
Also, Y.J Gaje won the best net prize in the men’s vetran category for handicap 15 to 28 with a gross score of 83 and 65 net.
In the Auxiliary award category, Rahama Inusa won the prize for the longest drive on day 1, while Saratu Kudi and Grace Agbo won the same award on day 2 and 3 respectively.
Omowumi Bankole won the nearest to the pin ladies prize on day 1, while Susan Marcus and Viashimi Felicia won the same prize for their efforts on day 2 and 3 respectively.
Maj. Gen. Samson Jiya, the Captain of TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, said the tournament marked a significant milestone in the history of the club, adding that he was thrilled to host everyone at the club.
He also expressed gratitude to the life patron, Amb. Lt. Gen. Buratai, and the grand patron/Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. T.A Lagbaja, adding that their unrelenting efforts in providing a befitting and world class golf course and the creation of an enabling environment for golfing was the reason for holding such an elite tournament at the club.
Maureen Apute, the Lady Captain of TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club appreciated everyone who contributed towards the success of the tournament.
“I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our life patron, Amb. Lt. Gen. Buratai, the Service Chiefs, our grand patron, Lt. Gen. T.A Lagbaja, the Captain of this great club, Maj. Gen. Samson Jiya and all our generous sponsors.
“Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment; your contributions made this event possible and allowed us to showcase the incredible talent in women’s golf.
“It was indeed an absolute pleasure to see so many talented women golfers here over the past six days, representing clubs from all corners of our great nation.
“Your dedication to the sport is truly inspiring and we are thrilled to celebrate your passion and skill on our beautiful course and the serene environment of our great club,” she said.
The highlight of the closing ceremony was a special presentation to the Life Patron, Buratai as well as a presentation of medal of participation to all the lady golfers by the Captain of the club, Maj. Gen. Samson Jiya.(NAN)
