By Steve Oma-Ofozor
Yenagoa
The officials of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of Nigeria after first round of swinging, chipping and putting cum classroom work have applauded the students participating in the on-going Qualifying School examination for ladies in Yenagoa Beyelsa State capital.
The playing ability and classroom work exercise which officially teed off on Tuesday May 24 saw the students showing their individual skills and brilliance which are the core elements needed to boost qualification into the professional cadre.
In the first round Stella Kadiri played 77 gross; Bola Mustapha 79 gross and Celena James 80 gross.
In this regard, Johnbull Dangofa, the Director of Tournament, PGA of Nigeria asserted that the exercise was going according to the association’s plan adding, “The students have impressed us.”
“The performance so far is encouraging; the students have to sustain the tempo, by improving on what they have done in the first round, because we’re not going to bend the rules to favour anybody,; it has to be in line with the international standard and as required,” he emphasised.
Commenting further, the Director of Tournament enthused, “This exercise is also another way of creating employment for the female folks in the society and also breaking gender barriers in the game, which is another way of saying more women should embrace the game.”
“It’s not going to be all about playing golf physically, many of them will graduate to become golf administrators and coaches; they will help in grooming and bringing in more women into the sport in Nigeria; invariably, they are going to be role models,”, he said.
Corroborating the Tournament Director, the Director of Operations Uchenna Ezebuiro felt, “The PGA of Nigeria has taken a bold step in improving on professional golfing in Nigeria – this is the first time a qualifying examination is being organised for women in Nigeria
“It’s another way of telling the governing body of golf that we’re ready in terms of women inclusiveness in the game; interestingly, the performance at the end of first round was very impressive and PGA Nigeria is proud of the students; but they should spice it up in the remaining two days to achieve their goals,” he concluded.
The officials however, maintained that only the best 10 students will be accepted as the rules would not be compromised; 17 students however, are slogging it out for the cut to become professionals.
As at the time of filing this report, early leader Stella Kadiri was already dropping shots with Celena James taking the lead.
The playing ability and classroom work exercise will end on Thursday May 26, just as an amateur event will hold on Friday May 27 to wrap off the entire event.
