By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Dec. 2, 2025 (NAN) S.J. Marcus has emerged champion of the maiden TYB Lady Captain’s Cup Championship in Abuja.
The three-day event which held at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club began on Friday, ended on Sunday.
Marcus finished as best net winner in the female category after playing off handicap 14 and returning 141 net.
She beat Patience Abechi, who returned 152 net to finish runner-up.
Rose Nyam posted 155 net to take the second runner-up position in the ladies Division 1 category.
Elizabeth Samuel claimed the best gross award with a 178 gross score over two days.
Marcus said perseverance and determination saw her through the tournament.
She expressed deep gratitude and reflected on the significance of her victory.“Winning the maiden edition of this championship feels surreal. It’s not just a trophy for me—it’s a milestone,” she said.
She highlighted the mental strength required to stay consistent.“There were moments I felt the pressure, but I reminded myself that good golf is played one shot at a time,” Marcus said.“I kept my rhythm and trusted my swing, and that made all the difference.”
Marcus also praised the tournament’s atmosphere.“The camaraderie among the ladies was beautiful. Even in competition, we encouraged one another. That made this victory even more meaningful,” she added.
She expressed appreciation to the Lady Captain and the club.“Lady Captain Apute has inspired us all. Her dedication pushed many of us to prepare better and give our best,” she said.
She encouraged upcoming female golfers.“To every young lady picking up a club, keep showing up. With consistency and courage, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve,” she said.
Isaiah Okonofua topped the men’s Division 1 category, playing off handicap 8 to return 68 net.
Babajide Ashebu followed as runner-up with 72 net after returning 77 gross.
Veterans displayed class as Mary Rose Obioha won best net, while Florence Anyanwu finished runner-up in the vet ladies category.
In the vet men category, Paul Erokoro clinched best net, while Martins Adabo emerged best gross.
Super Veteran champion Dibu Ojerinde impressed with consistent performances.
In the guest ladies category, Jennifer Shaapera won net, while Josephine Benjamin secured best gross.
Mercy Nana took the runner-up net position.
In the guest men category, Kabiru Adamu won best net with 63 net and 87 gross.
Sunday Felix impressed with the best gross score of 78.
Sponsors’ category winners were Shola Mese for best net and Tony Onyishi as runner-up.
Auxiliary prizes saw Shaapera hit the longest drive on day one with 281 m in the ladies category.
Femi Ayodele won the men’s day-one longest drive with 332 m.
Abechi claimed the longest drive on day two with 265 m.
Nyam secured nearest to pin on day one with 3 ft, while Ali Idoko won the men’s prize at 10 ft.
Doris Gema and Mark Obetta won nearest to pin on day two in the ladies and men’s categories respectively.
Lady Captain Maureen Apute said the championship marked the end of her tenure.
She praised the turnout of golfers from across the country.
“I am overwhelmed by the support today,” she said.
“The ladies travelled from Lafia, Kaduna, Zaria, Kano and Lagos just to honour me.”
Ssgt. Apute appreciated the club’s patrons, captains and sponsors for their support.
She said she hoped the incoming Lady Captain would sustain her legacy.
“My desire is that our ladies’ section continues to grow in strength and unity,” she said.
She urged continued support for caddies, whom she described as “like my children.”
Apute also used the event to champion cervical cancer awareness among women.
“Cervical cancer is preventable when discovered early,” she said.
“We must not wait for symptoms. Screening saves lives, and every woman deserves that chance.”
She added that awareness was a responsibility for all women.
“We spend hours on the course, but a few minutes for screening can save years of our lives,” she said.
“I urge every lady golfer to prioritise her health.”
TYB Golf Club Captain Brig.-Gen. Nicholas Ashinze praised the tournament’s organisation.
He said the event showcased golfing excellence, sportsmanship and unity.
He commended the LOC and the Lady Captain for their dedication.
Dr Ali Peters, the Club’s Vice Captain, said the championship marked a new height for the club’s ladies’ section.
“This maiden Lady Captain’s Cup has set a benchmark for excellence,” he said.
“The level of organisation, turnout, and competitive spirit we witnessed over the last three days is a clear sign that our club is moving in the right direction.”
He commended the participants for their dedication and competitiveness.
“Every golfer who stepped onto the course showed remarkable discipline. Whether you won or not, your participation has strengthened our golfing community,” Peters said.
Peters also praised the Lady Captain for her leadership.
“Lady Captain Apute has led with passion and vision. Her efforts have united the ladies’ section and elevated the profile of this club,” he stated.
He emphasised the importance of sustaining the momentum.
“This tournament should not be a one-off. We must continue to build on this success, empower more lady golfers, and maintain the standards we have set today,” he added.
Peters further acknowledged the volunteers and caddies.
“Our caddies and support staff deserve special recognition. They are the engine behind every successful tournament we host,” he said.
LOC Chairman Mark Obetta thanked the captain for his support throughout the planning.
He appreciated the sponsors for their commitment to the success of the championship.
Obetta commended the professionalism of the resident pros.
He said the tournament was widely regarded as one of the club’s best.
He praised the golfers and caddies for their discipline and cooperation. (NAN)
