By Blessing Bature
The newly elected executives of the IBB International Golf and Country Club are set to unveil the rest of their plans for the one year tenure which started in April as they host the Captains’ inaugural golf tournament, from Aug. 23 to Aug. 25.
Media and Publicity Committee, For 2024/25 IBB Captains’s Inaugural Tournament said the tournament, which commenced on Friday, Aug. 23, is expected to host over 200 members of the club and other golfers to felicitate with the new executives as part of the club’s tradition.
The captain of the club, Ibrahim Babayo, said that the present executives were elected in April, but it was part of the clubs tradition to host a captain’s inaugural golf tournament to usher them into the club officially.
According to him, even as newly elected, they have already started their various projects , and the major ones were the maintenance of the course and zero tolerance for waste.
The Lady Captain, Dame Julie Donli OON, said the tournament was going to be a unique one and invited everyone to come felicitate and have fun with them.
Meanwhile, the competition secretary, IBB international golf and country club, Ashir Tarfa; said the tournament is divided into three categories, with each category playing on a separate day.
According to him, the tournament will offer every participant the chance to amplify their performance, each category playing on their designated day, with both men and ladies competing in their respective categories.
Tarfa stated, “On Friday, we have the higher handicap men and ladies. They have their tournament first while it will be followed by the lower handicap players who are the more experienced players coming to the course on Saturday.”
According to him, Category Three played on Friday, featuring men, ladies with handicap of 19 and above, veterans, and super veterans, a total of 172 players featuring.
Category Two will play on Saturday featuring men and women with handicap of 11-18, as well as professional members, expecting approximately 130 players.
While Sunday, Category One will wrap up the tournament, featuring players with a handicap of 0-10, including executives, guests, the captain, lady captain, and sponsors, with total players around 60-80 . The schedule is designed to conclude early on the final day, he said.
“Every activity will attract a range of prizes and trophies that will be presented to those who did well. It is always an exciting period for us here. Golfers look forward to this tournament and the trophies and prizes at stake”.
Other players interviewed like Mrs Bose Onwiegbu, South West zonal representative of Nigeria golfer federation, also a member of IBB International Golf and Country Club said, “we’re thrilled to be a part of it.
According to her, “Despite the rain, we had a great time playing with some skilled golfers. Although they didn’t let us take the lead, it was still enjoyable.
She encouraged those hesitant to join golfers, that golf is a game for all ages. Unlike football, it’s a recreational activity that keeps you fit and healthy. “I’m a grandmother of three, and you wouldn’t know I’m a golfer just by the way i look.
She noted that Golf is a game of friendship and love. The more you play, the more you think, and the more friendships you make on the fairway. It’s a win-win situation.
“This is a three-day event, and I’m excited to be a part of it, saying she believed that everyone who played is already a winner. We win in different ways – through good health, new friendships, and personal achievements. If I happen to win a trophy, that’s just an added bonus. I’ll give God all the glory for that”.
Mrs Juliet Umolu; Comp Sec 2, Ladies Golf Section, said as a golfer, she’s always eager to swing and play. Today’s experience was fantastic, The course was wet, but we persevered and had a great time.
The 3 day tournament will climax on Sunday the 25th of August with the official ceremonial tee off in the morning by 7.30am and the closing ceremony/prize presentation by 5pm and every one is invited to come celebrate and have fun.