Okonofua Claims 2024 IBB Independence Golf Tourney Title

Okonofua Claims 2024 IBB Independence Golf Tourney Title

By Admin

Isaiah Ebhodaghe Okonofua, an handicap 9 amateur player, emerged as the overall winner of the 2024 IBB International Golf and Country Club Independence Golf Tournament in Abuja. Playing with a gross of 75 and a net of 66, Okonofua beat other opponents for the coveted trophy.

Reacting to his surprise victory, Okonofua expressed his humility and honour at emerging as the overall best player.

"At the beginning, I was nervous because when I saw the draw, I discovered that I was paired with two strong golfers. Playing alongside two people means I must be on top of my game. However, I started poorly due to my nervousness, but I told myself to stop comparing my game with that of those players. From then on, the narrative changed, and that was how I kept improving with every hole and played my best golf ever at the IBB International Golf and Country Club," he said.

He described the week-long event to celebrate the 64th Independence Anniversary by the foremost golfing club in the country as great and exciting.

He added that he was happy to have represented the country in the single and double matchplay where Nigeria defeated Ghana to emerge as champions.

In other results, P. Uzezi, with a handicap of 10, played 80 gross to emerge as the best gross winner after defeating E. Edoka on countback. Godwin Okoko won the highest prize in the professional male category, while Rachael Danjuma won the highest prize for pros in the female category.

In the Division 1 men category (for handicap 0 to 10), S. I. Adebayo emerged as the winner after he played off handicap 10 with 83 gross and 73 net. Past lady captain Grace Ihonvbere won the Lady category.

In the Auxiliary category, Grace Agbo won the prize for the longest drive with a distance of 228 meters, while Francis Amuzu won the men’s category with a distance of 296 meters. Osaro Amadin smiled home with the award for the nearest to the pin ladies with a distance of 2.0 ft, while Silas Ahiaba emerged as the winner in the men's category also with a distance of 2.0 ft.

The host captain, Ibrahim Babayo, who was full of praise for all who made the event successful, said this year’s event would go down in history as one of the most attended and well-organized tournaments.

"I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to making this celebration a success, especially our sponsors, who have been cheerful givers even in these difficult times. I also salute the Vice-Captain, Dr. James Agbonhese, who doubles as the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, as well as the eminent and distinguished members of the Organizing Committee 2024 for a job well done. The course superintendent and his team are also highly appreciated for keeping the course in good shape and, most importantly, our members for your immense support," the elated Babayo stated.

Vice-Captain of the club, Dr. James Agbonhese, who is also the chairman of the Organizing Committee, praised members of the committee for the success recorded during the 6-day event. He said golf is becoming a big foreign policy in many countries, and Nigeria cannot afford to sit back and watch.

"Our sponsors and partners have graciously supported this event, and we are grateful for their commitment. To the participants, we hope your swings were smooth, your putts precise, and your enjoyment limitless. We thank God for the friendship inspired by this tournament and the fostering of our national pride as well as the unforgettable memories," he said.

Highlights of the day were the presentation of trophies and prizes to various winners, as well as a befitting dinner for all participants and guests.