Georgia Oboh in action at the African Tour’s B & E Golf Tournament in Lagos.

Nigeria’s teenage female golf sensation, Georgia Oboh in action at the African Tour’s B & E Golf Tournament in Lagos.

By Victor Okoye

Nigeria’s Solomon Ideriah shot a stunning One-under round of 71 to take the outright lead on day one at the African Tour’s B & E Golf Tournament in Lagos on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the golf tournament which teed off at the magnificent Lakowe Lakes Golf Course in Lekki on Tuesday is expected to end on Friday.

Edwin Osuhor, Tournament Director of the African Tour, said Ideriah attacked the course from the off with aggressive approach play into the greens.

“All in all, the Port-Harcourt based player scored three birdies, including two on the opening nine, and one on the back nine, to stay one clear of the chasers.

Osuhor quoted Ideriah as saying that the key to his good start was staying positive and focused.

“My caddie and I really tried to keep on going focused and that really helped us. I think I deserved to play well but I needed someone to tell me and my caddie did.

“I will try to stay mentally focused because that’s the main key for me because my emotions are up and down everywhere,” Ideriah was quoted as saying.

NAN also reports that in his third year on the African Tour, Ideriah will be hoping to draw on all his experience over the next three days.

The Young gun is well-aware of what is required going into round two.

Osuhor also said that Ghana’s Emos Korblah and Cameroon’s Priesthy Nji ended the opening day’s play with a share of second place at Lakowe
after shooting impressive Level-par rounds of 72.

“The pair were followed on one_over at third place by defending champion Sunday Olapade and Kwame Ligbidi of Ghana.

“Korblah was the first player in the clubhouse at level_par after a near flawless round, the only two Bogey’s of the round coming at the 13th and 14th holes.

“Aside from the two blemish, the Ghanian made light work of the Lakowe Lakes course, with long drives setting up birdies on two of four par-5’s,” he said.

The tournament director added that teenage female golf sensation Georgia Oboh the only female professional contending at this years edition of the event, only managed to pull her experiences together to inside the top15.

“Oboh posted a Six_Over_Par 78 amid tough weather conditions, during the first round to remain inside the top15, after playing alongside Ghana’s Vincent Torgah and defending champion Sunday Olapade.

“While tied fifth on the leader board @ two_over par, are Torgah, Kabiru Haruna, Udom Saater and Zimbabwe’s Biggie Chibvuri,” he said.

With just three events left before curtains fall on the 2019 Tour season, all players will be looking to win.

Winning will help them improve their positions on the Order of Merit as this tournament offers 4,000 merit points.(NAN)