MTN TEE – OFF TIME

Located in a pristine section of Maitama, and easily accessible from the Abuja Central Business District, the picturesque Garki skyline is better appreciated from the IBB Golf and Country Club grounds, where the final of the MTN World Golf Championship held recently.

The essentially green course, covering an area totaling 101 hectares, was where the six available slots for Nigeria were taken. Forty-seven golfers competed for honours at the championship’s national qualifiers.

The user-friendly, 36-hole club that was completed in 1994, is a golfer’s delight; and proved to be a reliable venue for a competition that has become a mainstay on the Nigerian sporting calendar.

The two day event saw many golfers trickling into the venue of the event as early as 8am each day. And After the necessary accreditations, the various groups took their turns at the starting point for their individual tee-offs.

For those days, the club was a beehive of activities, as the golfers could be seen sweating it out to get the longest drive, a Birdie or an Eagle.

The weather throughout the competition was cheerful. And at the end of proceedings, many of the golfers cited the well maintained course as a major factor for their ability to perform at their peak level.

For most part of the event, the area around the posh clubhouse was a big draw as a large number of people were seen viewing the competition from its banister while others chosed to relax with drinks and victuals at the various tables.

A prize giving ceremony was organized on the last day of the event, which had golf aficionados and eminent personalities in attendance. General Domkat Bali was the chairman of the award event.

Tony Azogu emerged winner in the flight 0-5 category, he posted 152 net; Sa’adu Baloni finished second on 153 net. Christopher Obije (the Lagos winner in this category) came third posting 153 net. The award for this class was presented by Mr. Kolawole Oyeyemi, MTN’s GM, Consumer Market.

Austin Chigbo triumphed in the 6-10 flight division as a result of the 147 net he turned in. S. Ani came second on 149 net while Sam Galadima came third on the back of the 150 net he posted. The presentation for this handicap flight was done by Mr. Razak Ayinde Sanni of Global Golf.

The 11-15 flight was, however, won by A. Samba; who shot 135. James Onokerhoraye was second posting 150 net while Gen. Victor Lot finished third on 152. The presentation for this handicap flight was by Bali.

The 16-20 flight category was won by Mrs. A. A. Usman with 149 net; Jacob Erahbor finished second with 151 net while S. Bulus came third with 158 net.

Paul Kyari won the handicap 21-25 category; he posted 141 net. The second position went to T. Nzom who posted 150 net while A. Abass came third with 151.

The WGC was founded by Sven Tumba to give amateur golfers the world over the platform to take on the challenge of competing within their skill levels and at the same time receiving the same status as professionals and elites do; and to experience the thrill of representing their country in a world championship final.

The WGC begins as a national championship in world countries where winners from the six handicap flights come together to represent their nation as a team and individually within their flight categories.

For the MTN WGC-Nigeria, there were various stages of qualifiers held in Kaduna, Lagos and Benin with the national finals in Abuja. The championship, over the years, has sparked a renewed interest in the game of golf in Nigeria. Entries for this yearly event has been on the up and gradually, it has come to become the most respected corporate golf meet in Nigeria.

MTN’s involvements in golf sponsorship in the country began five years ago as a way of curbing the dearth in quality golfers in the country which to a large extent was a fallout of the unavailability of quality golf competitions in the country.

The world finals hold in the Marbella region of Spain from October 24 to 31. This year’s edition is the 15th since the championship started.