Golf has been described as a game of life, as well as a game that transcends boundaries and brings people together in a spirit of competition, camaraderie and sportsmanship.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of Ilorin Golf Club, Hon. Justice Lambo Akanbi (rtd) in his speech during the closing ceremony of the first Emirate Global Hotel Amateur Open Tournament 2024 which ended at the Ilorin Golf Club on Saturday May 11, 2024 also described golf as a game that challenges, both physically and mentally.
Over 125 golfers, both male and female from Golf Clubs across the country participated in the competition that, asides promoting the game, equally strengthened togetherness among golfers in the country.
According to Justice Akabi (rtd), “It’s a game that challenges us both physically and mentally, testing our skills, character and resilience with every swing. It teaches us important lessons about patience, focus and grace under pressure, qualities that are not only valuable on the course but also in true life”, he averred.
Justice Akabi (rtd), who is the Chairman of the Emirate Global Hotel and Suites commended the members of the BOT, the Captain and other management members, donors and the participants, for making the competition worthwhile.
The Captain of the Club, Jide Allen said that the competition availed participants the opportunity to foster friendship in an atmosphere of competition, adding that the competition brought together the cream de la cream of golfers across the country, with high level of performance, display of sportsmanship and competitiveness, which was evidenced in the end results.
The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Barrister Dare Akanbi commended Justice Lambo Akanbi (rtd), stressing that his contributions will undoubtedly continue leave a lasting impact on Ilorin Golf Club.
He commended the management of Ilorin Golf Club, the sponsor, donors, even as he praised the enthusiasm shown, and the turnout, from far and near.
In the Ladies category, Opeyemi Adenigba from Ekiti won Best Gross (90), Olawumi Yetunde from Ilorin won the Best Net (68), Dupe John from Ekiti won Best Net (81) in the Veteran class, while Dorcas Oluwatunmise from Ibadan went home.with the consolation prize from having the Longest Drive.
In the Men’s category, Abdulmalik Mustapha from Ilorin won the Best Gross (74), S. Oladele, also from Ilorin won the Best Net (69), Charles Ojolo of Ilorin won the Veterans event with Best Net of 74, Dibu Ojerinde, also of Ilorin won the Super Veterans event with Best Net of 40, while Justice Lambo Akanbi (rtd) won the BOT event with Best Net of 79.
In Category 1, Sikiru Jimoh (MiCom) returned with Best Gross of 83, In Category 2, Sylvester Uche (CB) returned with Best Net of 73, in Category 3, Ganiyu Sanni (Ilorin) got Best Net of 76, while in Category 4, M. Abdulmalik (Ilorin) got Best Net of 74.
The two consolation prizes went to Paul Akorede (Hassabary) and O. Ijaola (Abeokuta) for having the Longest Drive and Near the Hole achievements respectively.
The Emirate Global Hotel Amateur Open Tournament 2024 was powered by The Emirate Global Hotel and Suites, Ilorin.