Veteran golfer, Kwadiri Kwaga Yusuf, has emerged champion of the maiden Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club (TYB-IGRCC) Independence Golf Tournament, which was held to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.
Yusuf, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), topped a field of over 400 golfers to clinch the overall net prize. He played off a handicap of 16, returning a gross score of 80 and net 67.
Speaking with journalists after his win, Yusuf said perseverance and determination saw him through.
He said, “I was not scheduled for the regular session. I registered as a veteran but was drawn into the regular group. I accepted the challenge and gave it my best. It was a tough 5-hour round. I’m glad I stayed the course, and I thank my playing partners for their encouragement.
In the men’s (21–28) handicap group, DD Dilli emerged as net winner after playing off handicap 22 and returning 89 gross and 67 net, while TYB-IGRCC Captain, Major General S.S. Jiya claimed the gross title after playing off handicap 21 with 90 gross and 69 net.
Dalhat Ladan (net winner) and Usman Danladi (gross winner) competed in the (13–20) category, with strong showings across the board. And in the lower handicap brackets, Rueben Eguche (net winner) and Gabriel Godwin (gross winner) won in the (6–12) division, while Babajide Ashebu (net winner) and Timothy Mike (gross winner) topped the (0-5) division.
In the guest category, Paul Odoh Jr. won the net prize, while Effiong Okon returned the best gross score.
In the ladies’ events, Justina Gideon won the overall gross title and Jennifer Shaapera took the net award. Faridah Wada won the (0–18) category, while Longdi Paul Pwaspo returned 80 gross to win best overall gross. Tessy Johnson and Sarah Nkwariża stood out in the (19–36) category.
Veterans also made their mark as Mike Ekoja won the veteran net prize, while Ahmed Oseni and M. Richard Obioha excelled in their categories. In the Super Veteran category, Dibu Ojerinde and Sunday Ehindero showed consistency and resilience to emerge as top performers.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr James Eromosele Agbonhese, said the tournament marked a milestone for golf and national unity.
“This is a significant moment, not just for TYB Golf Club but for the entire Nigerian golfing community. This maiden Independence Cup is a celebration of our shared heritage and the unifying power of sport.
“Golf teaches patience, strategy, and adaptability, qualities that resonate with our national spirit. The Independence Cup is more than a competition. It represents focus, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence,” the LOC chairman said.
The week-long event, which took place at the TYB-IGRCC, Abuja, honoured Nigeria’s history and also celebrated serving and retired personnel of the Nigerian Army.
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