By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Sept. 7, 2022 (NAN) No fewer than 18 countries are expected to participate in the fourth edition of the Dolphin Golf Club Ladies Open Championship in Lagos.
Bose Onwuegbu, the Lady Captain of the club told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that the week-long championship would hold from Oct. 24 to Oct. 30.
Onwuegbu said the championship would see a total of 17 countries, including host Nigeria participating as well slugging it out for the coveted crown and other prizes in different categories.
“No fewer than 350 golfers from over 70 clubs across the country are expected to participate in the championship.
“As it stands now, a total of 11 African countries as well as six other countries from Europe, America and Asia have already registered for the tournament.
“They include; Senegal, Mauritius, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Congo, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Sweden, Turkey, Portugal, UK, U. S., China and host Nigeria.
“This has never happened in the previous editions of this Open and I am excited and proud to be the first lady captain to achieve this feat in the history of this club,” she said.
Onwuegbu who doubles as the South West Zonal Representative on the board of the Nigeria Golf Federation noted that the tournament was very prestigious as it enjoys an international recognition.
She added that the aim of the tournament was also to bring golfers together from different countries, continents and works of life under one roof to create an opportunity for them to network and build camaraderie amongst themselves.
“The championship is important because it has the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), being an event where any lady golfer who participates and earn a good score will be ranked internationally.
“It is also an opportunity to relax, meet new friends and network amongst ourselves because golf is a game of life, mutual trust and friendship,” she said.
She noted that even though the tournament was for the ladies section, it was also open to other categories of people, including men, veterans, professionals and caddies.
“The breakdown of the event is as follows: the caddies will play on Oct. 24, followed by veterans and super veterans on Oct. 25.
“The pros will thereafter take to the course on Oct. 26 to usher in the arrival, practice session and cocktail for the Dolphin Golf Club Ladies (handicap 29-36) on Oct. 27.
“The main event officially begins with the ceremonial tee-off for both the ladies and the men (handicap 0-28) on Oct. 28.
“The ladies (handicap 0-28) will continue with round two proceedings on Oct. 29 and then wrap up with the final round, closing ceremony, dinner and presentation of prizes on Oct. 30.
“All participants are expected to depart back to their various destinations on Oct. 31,” she said.
The lady captain also solicited the support of private and coporate organisations and well meaning Nigerians in ensuring that the event was a memorable one for all participants.
“It is also very important for the image of our country, so that the foreign players who attend will return home with so many good things about Nigeria,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
