All is set to commence the two-day maiden edition of the Nigeria Golf Federation South West Zonal Championship 2022, at the Ibadan Golf Club.
The tourney is scheduled to Tee-Off at the section of Ibadan Golf Club Court on Friday, November 4 to Saturday, 5 November 2022.
At the press conference
Speaking about the event at a press parley on Thursday in Ibadan, the initiator of the event who is also the South West zonal representative on the board of Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Mrs. Onwuegbu Bose Ngozi, attested to the rich golf tradition of Ibadan Golf Club (IGC), describing its Golf course and the welfare package as topnotch.
According to her the tournament is part of the legacy projects she intends to put in place with the good intention to revive the game of Golf and as well expand its participation and growth by organizing Championship across South West, adding that it will be on a yearly basis.
The sharp and smartly-looking Mrs. Onwuegbu is a sports enthusiast, a member of Ibadan Golf Club, a lady captain of Dulphin Golf Club in Lagos and as well belongs to other sports Federation in Nigeria with many indelible achievements.
She described golf as a great game where she derived much joy and gladness socializing with the elite; people of good culture and intellectuals, and playing walking around the big golf course, burning the calories are enough for her wellness. She also stated that Golf is a game of integrity, respect and discipline where quality networks could be achieved.
Also the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Idowu Salami, (past Captain, Ibadan Golf Club) added his voice to the laudable event and said; “Ibadan Golf Club is a home of Golf and tradition where one can comfortably wine, dine, play the golf and have remarkable experience. I urge the members of Ibadan Golf Club to support this 2-day event. We also use this opportunity to encourage golfers across Nigeria to come to Ibadan Golf Club Court, its 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.”
“Speaking as someone who also has a passion for golf, I strongly commend Mrs. Onwuegbu Bose Ngozi for all her laudable initiatives as a representative on the board of the NGF and the roles she’s playing in South West Zone. I can tell you that she is doing a very good job. This alone is a big feat and I must commend her for putting this all-important tournament together,” he said.
On her part, Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, the Honourable Secretary, Ladies Section, Ibadan Golf Club and a member, Planning Committee also applauded the initiatives of Mrs. Onwuegbu Bose Ngozi calling her a trailblazer in every respect.
She added that one of the key highlights of the day one of the tournament which is Friday, would be practice round the Golf Court by all the golfers who are not limited to South West but from across Nigeria and countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Burkina Faso etc.
She further stressed that there would be a cocktail session which is said to be powered by Nigeria Golf Federation and Nigeria Breweries, adding that all their products would be made available alongside with ofada rice, available, other Ibadan local delicacies.
She continues; “Day 2 on 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 take place 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 to all golfers whose numbers are between 180 to 200. It is also an opportunity for them to have 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, many golfers will lodge in hotels, patronize malls, buys things and fraternize with the locals.” Olaosebikan stated.