By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Oct. 2, 2023 (NAN) Philip Poroma emerged the winner of the 2023 IBB Independence Golf tournament as the event came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday night at the IBB International Golf and Country, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 500 players from Nigeria and four other countries namely; Ghana, Uganda and Cameroon, jostled for honours in the prestigious event.
The tournament which commenced with the tennis competition on Sept. 15 rounded off on Nigeria’s Independence Day anniversary with the announcement of the winners of different categories.
A member of the club, Philip Poroma, emerged the overall winner of the 63rd Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary Golf event.
In a rare showing, the handicap 14 amateur golfer played 80 gross with the best nett of 66 to beat over 500 other contestants to the coveted trophy.
Poroma smiled home with a brand new car prize courtesy of PAN Nigeria Ltd. and was also decorated with the green jacket, the ultimate symbol of success in golf.
Poroma told NAN that he was very honoured and proud to have emerged the winner of this year’s tournament and to receive a mouth-watering reward.
“I was privileged to play alongside some of the best golfers in the tournament
“First I want everyone to know that even people in government are also interested in sports.
“I am a serving Federal Commissioner and represent the great state of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers at the Federal Civil Service Commission.
“I am very honoured that for the past five years, I have represented those three states and have made them proud,” he said.
NAN also reports that results of the inter-country match-play showed that Nigeria defeated Uganda by 8 and half to 6 and half in the doubles.
Also, in the double match-play against Cameroon, hosts Nigeria outplayed Cameroon with 15 and a half to 3 and a half.
It was victory all the way for the hosts as they also won the double match play by 13 and a half to 3 and a half against the Ghanaian squad, and 19 and a half to 10 and a half in the singles match play.
The host captain, Olabanjo Obaleye, was full of praise to all who made the event successful, saying this year’s event will go down in history as the most attended by foreign countries.
Also, the chairman of the organising committee and Vice Captain of the Club, Ibrahim Babayo, said golf was becoming a big foreign policy to a lot of countries and Nigeria cannot afford to sit back and watch.
Representatives of the participating countries saluted the organisers for an excellent outing both in the organisation and performance.
Highlights of the day were the presentation of trophies and prizes to various winners, as well as cutting of the independence anniversary cake.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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