By Steve Oma-Ofozor
Lagos
Kamalu Bako of Kano Golf Club has made history becoming the champion of the maiden Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim Golf Club (OSIIGC) International Professional and Amateur (Pro-Am) Golf Tournament Which held at the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State.
Bako, a PGA of Nigeria prolific player however achieved the feat on sudden death after a tie with Christopher Francis and Francis Epe.
Bako shot 75, 72, 71, 71 (289); Christopher, 74, 71, 75, 69 (289) and Epe, 75, 71, 70, 73 (289) over four days to push the professional clash into sudden death.
Tina Micah won the Women Professionals category, while Sofela Nojeem won the Senior Professionals’ event.
For the amateur event,Kadiri Aminu steal the show on 75, 69, 72, 73; Jamilu Ibrahim was second on 72, 74, 72, 73 and Jonathan Bangeh third with 75, 73, 72, 78.
Bako in a chat with SOKOnnect on Sunday after the event which lasted February 1-6, believes the tournament lived up to its expectations.
“The tournament was highly competitive; everyone gave his all, but at the end of the day there was one winner; so I’m happy becoming the winner and I give kudos to the other players who gave a very good fight; the atmosphere was also very good for the game – kudos to the organisers,” Bako enthused.
Meanwhile, Johnbull Dangofa, the Director of Competition PGA Nigeria has changed stakeholders to support the efforts of the Military in the development golf across the country.
“The PGA Nigeria calls on the private sector, corporate bodies, donor agencies and well meaning Nigerians to support the Military in their all inclusive and holistic growth of golf in the country,” the Competition Director said.
He commended the officers of the Jaji Cantonment for the establishment and maintenance of the course which has lasted over 30 years as well as successfully hosting the maiden Pro-Am tournament.
“I will like to specially thank the Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, all Senior Military Officers, all Military Personnel in Jaji, and equally the Grand Patron Ola Saad Ibrahim Golf Club and most especially the Visionary Captain who have been a dependable friend for over 15 years for their leadership, support, in bringing their expertise and experience for the development of the game of golf.
“The golf course has been in existence for more than 30 years and for the first time on record PGA Professionals are being hosted with remarkable hospitality,” he said.
The Competition Director was also quick to commend the Chief of Defense Staff and the others for deepening the support of the game, “I want to thank the Service Chief and other senior for their support for the commanding officer here at Jaji, in deepening the already established commitment to the game.”
He added that the course could help improve the revenue base of the Cantonment if properly harnessed for tourism and also the health benefits which cannot be overemphasied, just as he appreciated the military efforts at curbing the spate of crimes and criminalities as well as insurgency in the country even as the event was peaceful while it lasted.
“Am amazed by the topology, serenity and nature evocative sights that the golf course has to offer. It is truly a tourist destination, which has the potential of driving investment and increasing the revenue base of the club and the state.
“Despite the insecurity challenges in winning the war against insurgency and banditry, we have never had a better Military as shown in their receptiveness in civilian engagements and other citizen inclusive activities,” he said.
Recalled that the Captain of the Club, Navy Commander, Joseph Shuaibu, had told SOKOnnect the tournament was one of the ways to ensure peace and unity in Kaduna State by bringing everyone together from across the globe.
The Competition Director concluded that the PGA of Nigeria would be looking forward to another round Pro-Am in the coming at the military community given the success the maiden edition.
