NGF South West Zonal Championship debuts in Ibadan Golf Club

The Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) maiden South West Zonal Championship will tee off at the Ibadan Golf Club today.

The championship, a two-day event, will feature players from across the country, the organisers have disclosed.

According to the initiator of the event, who is also the South West zonal representative on the NGF board, Mrs. Onwuegbu Bose Ngozi, would expose players to the rich golf tradition of Ibadan Golf Club (IGC), describing its golf course and the welfare package as topnotch.

She said the tournament is part of the legacy projects aimed at reviving the sport, as well as expanding its participation and growth across the South West.

Also speaking on the competition, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Idowu Salami (a past Captain, of Ibadan Golf Club), said, “I urge members of Ibadan Golf Club to support this two-day event. We also use this opportunity to encourage golfers across Nigeria to come to Ibadan Golf Club Court, it’s one of the best around.

“We must also thank God for the president we have now in the NGF in the person of Olusegun Runsewe. We couldn’t have had it any better, seriously speaking, because it takes serious passion to execute what he is doing in the golf federation right now.”
On her part, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, the Secretary, IGC’s Ladies Section and a member of the planning committee, said today’s key highlights would be a practice round the course by participants, who include players from across Nigeria and countries like Uganda, Tanzania and Burkina Faso etc.

She revealed that there would be a cocktail session to be powered by Nigeria Golf Federation and Nigeria Breweries, adding that all their products would be made available alongside Ofada rice and other Ibadan local delicacies.

Olaosebikan said: “Day 2, November 5, will start with guest players being invited to participate in the tournament followed by the final round of the championship.

“The grand finale and awards dinner will hold in the evening, capping off the championship. Winners are expected to receive trophies and electronics to appreciate them.

“The good news, also, is that the golf course is in perfect shape; the platforms for registration and recording of scores for golfers are equally of international standards and the course itself is wearing a perfect ambience for the game of golf.

“It is indeed going to be a pleasant experience for all golfers whose numbers are between 180 to 200. It is also an opportunity for them to have a tourism experience, they will have a feel and look of our way of life in Ibadan, our culture, tradition, the food we eat, our train and bus services and how hospitable we are as a people before they finally leave on Monday.

“Interestingly, the state also has something to gain economically from this, as many golfers will lodge in hotels, patronise malls, buy things and fraternise with the locals.”