By Steve Oma-Ofozor
Lagos
The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of Nigeria over the weekend made history by taking a step forward to embolden its membership structure with the inclusion of women to a commensurable number in consonance with international standard.
The development climaxed the 2021/2022 Qualifying School examination exclusively for women which held at the Henry Seriaki Dickson Golf and Country Club (HSDGCC) Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.
The occasion with the theme, “Women Inclusiveness,” which was teed off by the Bayelsa State First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Gloria Diri on May 23, 2022, had 17 ladies who battled for three days (May 24-26) on the HSDGCC course and in the classroom to be among the number – 10 best students – required by the PGA of Nigeria.
However, that number was achieved at the end of the three days of playing ability and classroom work; thus, a new set of ladies professionals were produced to bolster the the previous two, Tina Micah and Sharon Wesley, who qualified in 2020/2021 session.
These lady professionals can be aptly be termed, “PGA Nigeria Ladies of Substance,” if standard set for their qualification was anything to go by – no compromise according to the executive of the association saying, “PGA Nigeria is setting a structure and standard not be compromised.’
Below is the list of the 10 new PGA of Nigeria lady professionals, their clubs, Q’School scores and photos.
1) Bola Mustapha, Ikoyi Golf Club, Lagos – 88.
2) Celena James, HSDGCC, Yenagoa, Bayelsa – 78.5
3) Blessing Abdul, St. David Mark Golf Club, Otukpo – 68
4) Valentina Manteaw, Benin Golf Club – 67.5
5) Stella Kadiri, IBB Golf Club, Abuja -.64.5
6) Obiageli Asogwa, IBB Golf Club, Abuja – 58.5
7) Helen Alechenu, St. David Mark Golf Club, Otukpo – 58
8) Arin Laura, Lamingo Golf Club, Jos – 57
9) Favour Efenedo, Ikoyi Golf Club, Lagos – 56.5
10) Hannah Obadina, Tiger Golf Club, Ibadan – 56.5
