Izoje Dethrones Wilfred At 4th UBTH Ladies Open Golf Championship
By ABIODUN JIMOH, BENIN CITY
Rita Izoje played the game of her life to emerge overall best winner at the 4th UBTH Ladies Open Golf Championship concluded on Sunday at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Golf Club, Ugbowo.
Izoje, handicap 10 recorded her long awaited best performance of 168 gross over two days to win the three days event, thus beat last winner, Amina Wilfred from IBB International Golf and Country Club with 171 gross to 1st runner-up, while Ehis Igbinadolor, 180 gross landed her as 2nd runner-up.
Racheal Danjuma, also from IBB Club played 181 gross to settle for third position as the duo of Valentine Manteau, 181 gross and Ivy Achir, 183 gross placed both in fourth and fifth position respectively.
Izoje, who won her first major tournament in the year attributed her victory to Almighty God who saw through the challenges posed by other contestants during the game. “I never thought I will win the event, but God gave me the edge over others. Hard work pays a lot”
Moreover, in the net category, Sheila Tari Ebunilo was adjudged best with 148 net having beating D. Emifoniye on count back just as V. Ebreneyin placed 2nd runner-up with 150 net. E. Egwatu recorded 154 net to claim fourth position, while Ndarake Love, 154 net picked the fifth position.
Lady handicap 29-36 category trophy went to Barr. Sala Oise, with a net score of 74. Faith Adams placed 1st runner-up with 74 net while Joan Dude, 75 net picked 2nd runner-up award. Also, Monica Obaedo won the veteran ladies category with 162 net. Frances Odudu won the special veteran category with 80 net.
Also, in the regular men cadre, J. Igbinadolor beat them all with amazing 67 net score. Second place Prof. Anthony Emina recorded 71 net to push Prof. Waziri Erameh to third place. K. Dirisu won the best gross award with 79 gross
The veteran men category was a straight victory for S. O. Okunzuwa with 76 net, O. Rex, 79 net placed him in second position while S. Isemede settled for third with his best record of 83 net. Prof. Eugene Okpere won the super veteran men category with 95 net.
In the individual award, Hannah Obadina won the ladies longest drive award, while U Nkwor won the men’s category. The nearest the pin ladies award went to E. Osinachi, as S. A. Okokobi clinched the men category.
Captain of UBTH, Prof. Gabriel Ofovwe thanked all the participant’s, sponsors and the lady section for pitting the club on global map with this exceptional golf championship. While looking forward to meet them again for another tournaments in the near future.
He added: “The beautiful course of UBTH golf club beckons with her unique challenges and signature holes. There is always a new experience not withstanding if you have played in the course before. I have no doubt you all enjoy playing in the course whether it is your first time or not.”
In her address, the elated Lady Captain Emina said: “I am overwhelmed by the turnout of lady golfers from about twenty golf clubs all over the county despite the busy schedule and almost back to back tournaments. The ladies section of UBTH appreciates you all. We do hope you had splendid time with us.
“The build up to this event was a rewarding experience and its success was due to support from several well meaning individuals and organizations. Let me acknowledge the support we received from the men golfers of Benin Club golf section, particularly the Grand Master, Pa Parry Osayande and Chief Osaro Idah, who we owe a debt of profound gratitude.
“The ladies section of our sister clubs, BCGS and IGCC, Asaba were supportive as attested to by the turnout from both. I wish to appreciate everyone, golfers and non-golfers who took out time to grace this event and made it successful. Indeed without you, there would have been no event.”
Similarly, Lady Golfers Association of Nigeria (LGAN) President, Susan Cole-Kotas in her speech also appreciated all lady golfers who came out to participate at the championship in spite of Tue closeness to IBB Ladies Open. “I pray that God infinite mercy will continue to replenish our pockets to enable us attend more upcoming tournaments.”
In the same vein, Juliet Monye-Iyere, 1st Vice-President, South admonished that the few days have been exciting and delighted at the turnout of golfers, both ladies and men. “To all participants, I say well played and to the winners, I say Congratulations. As we depart to our respective destinations, I pray the good Lord grants us journey mercies in Jesus name.”
