Habeeb Akeem of Ilorin Golf Club on Sunday won the sixth edition of Insurance Open Golf Tournament at the Ibadan Golf Club (IGC).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akeem scored 154 gross over two days in the men’s category to emerge the overall winner.
The IGC Secretary, Kunle Akinpelu, also won the Insurance Staff prize with 204 gross and 158 nett scores.
Evelyn Oyome won the Ladies Gross prize after playing a gross of 167 ahead of Mary Onyejose who played 203 gross.
Akeem who spoke with newsmen after the presentation dedicated the victory to God and his coach for engaging him in rigorous training.
He, however, boasted of defending his title at the next edition while thanking the sponsors of the tournament for engaging golfers across the country.
In his remarks, the IGC Captain, Seyi Alaba, also thanked the sponsors for their commitment towards golf development in the country.
He noted that for six years the competition had been on hold due to several reasons which cut across COVID-19 and the country’s economic situation.
“I am extremely happy today (Sunday) that we were able to bring back the Insurance Open through one of our past captains and a Trustee of IGC, Babajide Olatunde-Agbeja.
“His commitment to this competition cannot be over emphasised. You have indeed demonstrated once again your love for the club and your passion for the game of golf.
“To the insurance companies which sponsored this great tournament, we sincerely acknowledge your support over years. It’s been awesome.
“Your contributions to the game of golf which cut across ages and gender is helping our society positively.
“We strongly believe that this event will help in strengthening both the body and mind, such that apart from offering excellent insurance services to the citizens you are equally supporting sports activities.
“ What a better way to give back to the society in spite of the economic situation.We thank you for doing this again at the IGC,” Alaba said.
In his remarks, Olatunde-Agbeja who is the Chairman of the competition’s Local Organising Committee (LOC), said the tournament aimed to encourage more people to play golf.
”This is especially for my colleagues in the insurance industry, and I feel proud to see more insurance personnel registered for this year’s edition.
“I also hope that more ladies will take up the challenge to play as the participation of ladies in this year’s tournament is low.
“Golf is a game of finesse and precision, not brute strength, trust me. l’ve played enough rounds to know this,” he said.(NAN)
