NAN-S-25
Golf
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Jan. 9, 2017 (NAN) No fewer than 45 players are expected to make the cut and advance to the third and final round of the 2017 IBB Ladies Open on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at least 160 lady golfers are taking part in this year’s tournament which is in its 19th edition.
The Tournament Director, Nanwor Mamven who made this known to NAN said that this year’s tournament promised to be very exciting and keenly contested.
She said a total of four countries were participating in the tournament, namely; Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
“Out of the 160 golfers participating in the tournament, we have about 128 taking part in the main tournament, that is those that are within handicaps 0-28.
“The tournament is being played over 54 holes in a stroke play format.
“The other 32 lady golfers are within handicaps 29-36 and those we call veterans. They are mostly IBB Golf and Country Club ladies and will play just for one day, that is on Friday.
“The 128 pro lady golfers are expected to play two rounds of golf between Friday and Saturday, and then only 45 will make the final cut.
“The 45 golfers will play for the final trophy on Sunday. So, it is really going to be very tough,” she said.
The winner of the last edition was Amina Wilfred of the IBB Golf and Country Club.
NAN reports that the opening ceremony of the four-day tournament, which began with a ceremonial tee on Thursday, climaxed with a cocktail and gala night.
Guests at the opening ceremony include, Halima Wada, the wife of the former governor of Kogi State, Ibrahim Wada and Mrs Helen Mark, the wife of the former Senate President, David Mark.
Others were Mrs Hadiza El-Rufai, the wife of Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, present and past lady captains of the IBB Golf Club as well as other professional golfers and enthusiasts. (NAN)
VO/YAZ
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Edited by Yusuf Zango