Okonofua, Kuma crowned TYB Men’s and Ladies’ Single match play champions

Isaiah Okonofua and Faeren Kuma emerged victorious in the Tukur Yusuf Buratai (TYB) International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja single match play finals in the men’s and ladies’ categories, respectively.

The competition, which began in 2024, saw the finalists navigate through seven grueling stages before reaching the grand finale on Saturday. The match play event was held alongside the TYB New Year Kitty.

Okonofua, playing off a handicap of 10, faced off against AVM Ladan, who played off a handicap of 18, in a keenly contested men’s single match play final. The match extended to the final hole, where Okonofua secured a one-up victory after staging a remarkable comeback.

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“I started poorly and was already four down at hole 7, but I told myself I had to fight back. The competitor in me came alive, and I played my best golf on the back nine, sealing the victory at hole 18. My opponent is a fantastic golfer, but I put up a strong fight to win,” Okonofua told Golf Digest.

In the ladies’ single match play category, Kuma, playing off handicap 35, defeated Sarah Kudi, who played off handicap 25, by two holes up with one to go. Kuma took an early lead but experienced nervous moments on the back nine, allowing Kudi to level the contest before regaining control to clinch the title.

“I started strong, going five up, but lost my focus and allowed my opponent to catch up. Thankfully, I regained my confidence at the right time and finished two up with one hole to spare. It was a tough match, but I am grateful for the win,” Kuma said.

In the men’s double match play category, Philip Kum and Sam Anyande triumphed over Chile Ushahonba and Stephen Godwin to claim the top honors.

Additional results from other categories included Longdi Paul, who won the best gross ladies’ prize with a score of 95, and Becky Danladi, who took home the best net prize after playing off handicap 24 and recording a gross score of 95 with a net score of 71.

The longest drive men’s prize was won by Lyon Iyke, while Yemi Sola claimed the longest drive ladies’ prize. Timothy Mike secured the nearest-to-the-pin men’s prize.