By Olu Benjamin
Air Vice Marshall (AVM) David Solomon, Vice President, Nigerian Golfing Federation (NGF) has applauded the high turnout of participants at the just concluded Arc. John Mlanga Captain Innaugural tournament.
He gave the commendation at the ceremonial Tee-Off of the tournament held at the Lafia Golf Club in Lafia on Sunday.
Speaking shortly after the ceremonial tee- off, Solomon said the Arc. John Mlanga Captain Innaugural tournament has broken the records in terms of participation in the history of Captain’s Inaugural tournament in the country.
He described the about 200 participants who participated in the tournament as a record breaker and attributed the feat to the robust mobilisation of the organizers and the character of the captain of Lafia Golf Club, Architect John Mlanga.
Solomon who also credited the high turnout to the good will the Lafia Golf Club Captain enjoys among the golfing community across the country, encouraged golfers to continue in the spirit of unity and love that golf is known for and promised to attract the attention of NGF to Lafia.
In a remark, Justice Sidi Bage Rtd, Emir of Lafia and Grand Patron of the Lafia Golf Club also appreciated the turn out of participants and guests for the tournament.
He appealed for support from well meaning nigerians in helping to give the golf club a face lift by turning the brown grass to green and other infrastructural development around he club.
On his part, the captain of Lafia Golf Club, Arc. John Mlanga, said he was overwhelmed with the massive attendance and promised to attract investors to Nasarawa through golfing, emphasing the business side of golf.
He also solicited that the government who are the owners of the club should improve their support for the club as it has the potential of turning around the internally generated revenue of the State.
He also called on the Nigerian Golfing Federation to extend their support to Lafia Golf Club, which according to him is fast becoming a destination of choice for golfers in the country.
Winners who emerged in the captain inaugural tournament of Lafia Golf Club, Lafia Nasarawa State include Gideon Wala who emerged as the winner in the men category one, playing off a handicap of 10, a gross of 73 and a net of 63, while Pam Fidelis was the winner in the men’s category two, playing off a handicap of 18, a gross of 76 and a net of 58.
In category three of the men cadre Dombin Jesse, playing off a handicap of of 27, got a gross of 91 and a net of 64 with Adabor Martins emerging the winner in men’s veteran category, while Awa Sokpo emerged winner in the ladies veteran category, as Ringsum C. was the winner in the ladies category one, while Izang Melody emerged winner in the second category of the ladies.
The NGF representive, was joined in the Tee -off by the former minister of Labour and productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, a former Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the captain of the club among others.
The golfing event which was attended by over two hundred golfers and other guests began April 19 and closed on April 21, 2024.
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