Lt.-Col Usman Ibrahim Wins Maiden Green Fairway Golf Championship in Abuja
By Matthew Eloyi
Lt.-Col Usman Ibrahim has emerged the overall winner of the inaugural Green Fairway Amateur Golf Championship held at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club in Abuja.
The one-day 18-hole event, which took place on Monday, attracted over 170 participants, all united by a shared passion for supporting the less privileged in society.
Ibrahim, who played off a handicap of 19, posted an impressive gross score of 79 and a net score of 60 to claim the top prize.
Elated by his victory, he expressed joy at the challenging competition and his commitment to charitable causes.
“I feel elated, I feel happy. It’s not every day you play a competition and win,” Ibrahim said.
“It’s very difficult to come out on top among over 170 golfers. The tournament’s focus on helping the less privileged is something I’m passionate about, which makes this victory even more special,” he added.
Timothy Mike also stood out as the overall gross winner, playing a remarkable 69 gross.
In the men’s category for handicap 0 to 11, Isaac Umoru, playing off handicap 4, won the best gross prize with 71 gross and 67 net, while Saturday Otubo with 73 gross took home the prize for best gross in the same category. Philip Kuma, playing off handicap 11, finished as runner-up net with 80 gross and 69 net.
In the ladies’ division, Eunice Pam emerged as the best net winner, playing off handicap 17 with 79 gross and 62 net. S.J. Marcus claimed the best gross prize with 82 gross, while Ogechukwu Emmanuel, playing off handicap 36, was the runner-up net with 98 gross and 62 net.
Other winners included Dare Williams and Ogechukwu Emmanuel for the longest drive in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. Francis Okosun and Lizzy Samuel won the nearest to the pin awards, while Jimmy Patrick was recognized as the bravest golfer of the championship.
Ali Peters, Vice Captain of the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, emphasised that the tournament aimed to support the less privileged and would now be an annual event.
“This championship was born from our desire to give back to society. We are raising funds to support widows, caddies, and offer scholarships to students,” Peters said.
Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, who was represented by Hajiya Amina Edu, expressed her support for the cause, highlighting her passion for helping the needy.
Maj.-Gen. D.D Amadu, a retired officer, praised the tournament for bringing together golfers from diverse backgrounds to unite for a charitable cause. He emphasized the importance of continuing the event in the future.
The Green Fairway Amateur Golf Championship is poised to become a significant event in Abuja’s golfing calendar, combining the spirit of competition with the mission to uplift the less fortunate.