Inalegwu wins 16th IBB Junior Open Golf championship

David Inalegwu of Henry Seriake Dickson Golf and Country Club, Bayelsa on Sunday won the 16th IBB Junior Open Golf Championship in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day championship teed off on Friday at the IBB International Golf and Country Club (IBBIGCC), Abuja.

More than 146 junior players from across the country gathered at IBBIGCC for the tournament organised by the IBB Lady Golf Section led by Dame Julie Donli.

Inalegwu, who played a total of 223 gross, led over three days, shooting 74, 71, and 78, respectively, over 54 holes to clinch the championship title.

It was indeed a case of third time lucky for the 18-year-old who had finished fourth and as a runner-up in the 14th and 15th editions of the championship.

”It’s quite amazing that I won the tournament after finishing as the runner-up last year. It’s been quite a tough but exciting journey for me as I also finished fourth in 2022.

”So, it was a learning curve for me as I kept improving with each edition of the championship en route to this victory.

”It was not an easy task leading for three days, but I am happy that I emerged the overall winner,” Inalegwu said.

Also, David James grossed 231 to win the Boys 15-18 age category at the expense of Nandom Danjuma of Plateau Golf Academy and Robert Festus.

Destiny Oyero of lkeja Golf Club carded 242 to claim the boys 11-14 years age category, beating Unah Ogoh of Otukpo Golf Academy (245) and Matthew Ayi (242).

Deborah Dung of Plateau Golf Academy grossed 277 to win the girls 15-18 years old category, while Blessing Adah and Beatrice Onoja ensured that Otukpo Golf Academy swept the second and third prizes in the category.

In the girls 11 -14 years category, Josephine Benjamin of IBB International Golf and Country Club emerged winner after posting a total gross score of 225.

Omowonuola Olarenwaju (294) and Jennifer Akatu (313) finished as runner-up and second runner-up, respectively, in the category.

Wilson Izang (122), Abraham Dung (129), and Chinkinan Walshak (131) ensured that Plateau Golf Academy swept the stakes in the Boys 7-10 years category.

Similarly, Damaris Danladi (150), Funmilayo Oyero (160), and Ochanya Omakwu (162) emerged as winners, runners-up, and second runner-up, respectively, in the girl’s category.

The Lady Captain, Donli, said the event, with the theme of consolidating the future of golf in Nigeria, was a huge success in spite of all the challenges.

She also expressed gratitude to the families of the children who participated in the championship and everyone who contributed in one way or the other towards the success of the event.

”We understand perfectly how harsh the economy has been on us, and so we appreciate all of you and your families who sacrificed to ensure that you participated in the championship.

”The stress of registering for the tournament, getting you here and taking you back and other considerations that must have gone into the decision to have you play,” she said.

The Captain of IBBIGCC, Ibrahim Babayo, commended the IBB Ladies Golf Section (LGS), adding that it was a very successful championship.

NAN also reports that a minute of silence was observed for the two young golfers from Ekiti who lost their lives and others who sustained injuries on their way to Abuja for the tournament.

The contingent was involved in a ghastly motor accident around Kabba, Kogi on Wednesday.

(NAN)