Over 200 golfers from across the country are expected to participate in the Kingsley Okunbo @ 60 Invitational Golf Tournament (Pro-Am), which tees off today at the Benin Club Golf Section (BCGS) golf course, Edo State.
The competition ends on Saturday. Chairman, Committee of Friends, the organisers of the tournament, Ignatius Aigbokhaode, yesterday, said the invitational birthday golf tournament is put together in honour of Kingsley Okunbo, a former captain of BCGS, who has contributed greatly to golf development in Nigeria.
Aigbokhaode, a former captain of BCGS, added that Okunbo, who is celebrating Diamond Jubilee, had steered the ship of BCGS, one of the busiest golf clubs in Nigeria for two tenures.
He added: “The tournament will feature golfers from Ibori Golf and Country Club (IGCC), Asaba; Ogunnu Golf Resort, Warri; UBTH Golf Club, Benin; Ikeja Golf Club, and Ikoyi Golf Club, Lagos.
“Other clubs expected to field players are IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja and Port Harcourt Golf Club, Rivers State.”
Explaining the programme of events, BCGS Competition and Handicap Secretary, Stephen Ebaretonbofa, said that caddies will tee-off the birthday tournament today, while professionals and eaglets will take to the course tomorrow.
He added: “On Thursday, men’s handicap 19-28, ladies handicap 29-36, all men’s and ladies veteran and super veteran have scores to settle, just as praise/worship and thanksgiving service/open house reception hold at Okunbo’s house by 11 a.m.
“However, men’s hcp 1-18 and ladies hcp 1-28 will play on Friday. Those that make the cut will join all guests to play the grand finale on Saturday. The cocktail party to welcome guests will hold on Friday evening.
“The ceremonial tee-off will hold by 9.00 a.m. on Saturday, which is the final day of the tournament. Also, the presentation of trophies and a dinner party to mark the end of competition will start by 4.00 p.m.”
He disclosed that many trophies and other prizes would be presented to excellent performers in their various categories, as well as individual cadres.
