Hassan triumphs over 215 golfers to clinch Grace Ihonvbere Invitational Open tourney

Following two days of intense competition, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan emerged as the overall best nett champion of the Grace Ihonvbere Invitational Open, held in celebration of the 60th birthday of the past Lady Captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club.

The prestigious 18-hole event, hosted at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, kicked off last Friday with a grand tee-off ceremony. The tournament witnessed the presence of notable dignitaries, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu; former Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Yakubu Dogara and Chairman of the National Sports Commission Shehu Dikko.

216 golfers competed across various categories, with multiple prestigious prizes at stake. After a rigorous contest, Hassan secured the tournament’s top prize, earning a brand-new golf cart in recognition of his outstanding performance. Playing off a handicap of 11, he returned a net score of 67, after an overall gross score of 78, to claim the coveted title.

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In the men’s category, P. Uzezi claimed the best gross men’s prize, playing off a handicap of 10 and recording an 80 gross score, narrowly defeating his closest challenger, Joel Molel, on countback.

A delighted Hassan expressed his surprise at the victory, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of golf. “I didn’t really prepare for this tournament, but golf is unpredictable, and today was my day. I give all glory to God and must say this was one of the best-organized tournaments I’ve participated in. The event exuded glitz and glamour, truly resonating with the personality of the celebrant, ‘Lady G.’ I wish her a happy birthday and many more fruitful years,” he said.

In the ladies’ category, Agbo won the best gross ladies’ prize after returning a gross score of 77 while playing off a handicap of 6. Farida Wada finished as runner-up with a gross score of 92, playing off a handicap of 14.

Other winners included A. Tarfa, who claimed the top prize in the men’s division 1 category with a gross score of 80 and a net score of 69, playing off a handicap of 11. In the ladies’ division 1 category, Susan Cole-Kotos, playing off handicap 17, returned an 88 gross and 71 net to emerge victorious.

In the guest categories, O. Olukoya secured the men’s top prize with a gross score of 79 and a net score of 75, playing off a handicap of 4. LGAN President Evelyn Oyome won the guest ladies’ category, posting an 87 gross and 76 net while playing off a handicap of 11. Meanwhile, O. Idahosa emerged as the 60th-position winner.