By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Dec. 16, 2024 (NAN) The 12th edition of the Golf & Tour Charity tournament ended in Minna, Niger State on Saturday with Oba ASK Makinde emerging as the overall winner.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day event which was the twelveth in the series, began on Friday at the Minna Cantonment Golf Club.
AVM CE Aroriode (retd.), the Leader, Golf & Tour Charity Association was on ground, along with other dignitaries and association officials to grace the event.
The annual golf competition, staged twice every year, saw no fewer than 150 golfers competing for honours in the different categories.
At the end of hostilities however, Makinde clinched the tournament’s top prize after he played a total gross of 171 over 2 days, playing off handicap 13 and returned a net score of 145.
An elated Makinde told NAN that winning the trophy for the third time was such a sweet feeling.
“I have been in this game for quite a long while. Golf is a game I love so much because it gives me joy.
“I am just delighted everytime I am on the golf course because playing helps me relieve stress and so many other things.
“I have won this particular trophy three times now; last year in Kaduna, in Porthacourt and winning it now in Minna means I have been consistent in the last three consecutive editions,” he said.
Frank Okpara who played off handicap 11 and returned a total of 175 gross emerged as best gross winner in the Men Division 1 category.
Solomon Nwaigwe played a total gross of 190 after playing off handicap 17 to finish as best gross winner in the Men Division 2 category.
While Godwin Umelo clinched the Men Division 3 best gross prize after he played a total gross of 211, with handicap 23.
Patience Ekwere emerged the best gross winner in the ladies category, after she played off handicap 23, and returned a gross score of 211.
David Lubo took home the best net prize in the men’s division 1 category, after he played off handicap 15, with 181 gross and returned a net score of 151.
In the men’s division 2 category, U.T. Ibrahim playing off handicap 17 won the best net prize in the category after he posted 180 gross and returned 146 net.
His closest challenger, Emmanuel Anariyu, played a total of 182 gross with handicap 18, and also returned a net score of 146 to finish as first runner up net in the category.
While Ali Peters played a total gross of 196, with handicap 21, and returned a net score of 154 to settle for the second runner up net position in the category.
Ekwere also added the best net prize in the ladies’ category for handicap 0 to 36 to her trophy collection.
In the Auxiliary award category, the longest drive men’s prize went to Lubo, while the longest drive ladies’ prize was won by Ekwere.
While, Shola Awoyungbo smiled home with the nearest to the pin prize in the men’s category.
NAN reports that the next tournament, which will be the 13th edition, comes up later in the year in Lagos.(NAN)
