From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

No fewer than 200 amateur golfers will this weekend battle for honours in this year’s one-day 11th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor’s Golf tournament scheduled for the IBB Golf Golf and Country Club in Abuja.

The Acting Director Corporate Communications Department of the apex bank, Isaac Okorafor, who made the disclosure during a media parley in Abuja yesterday to herald the tournament, said that the objective is to create a relaxed and recreational atmosphere for distinguished personalities in government, organised private sectors, elder statesmen and members of the diplomatic corps.

“I am glad to inform you that the management of the CBN is pleased that this tournament, otherwise known as CBN Governor’s Golf Cup, has become as important feature in the calendar of events of this prestigious club of distinguished and eminent Nigerian and foreign nationals. Notwithstanding few challenges in the previous editions, we aspire to improve on the achievements recorded.

“The CBN has over the years been making remarkable contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria through annual sponsorship of events like the CBN Junior Tennis Championship, CBN Senior Open Tennis Championship and All Financial Institutions Football Competition. The objective of this tournament is to create a relaxed and recreational atmosphere for distinguished personalities in government, organised private sector, elder statesmen and members of the diplomatic corps.

Related News

“This annual tournament also creates a platform for interaction and gingering spirit of friendship among competing golfers, while encouraging partnership and networking. This beautiful game of gold is a comprehensive exercise that promotes the physiological, mental and emotional well-being of players. It helps to significantly reduce stress,” Okorafor noted.

Speaking further he said: “The 2017 tournament is a one-day event and there are trophies and prizes to be won in various categories. Men’s category 1 (Handicap 0-14), Men’s category II (Handicap 15-28), Gross (Men), Ladies’ category I (Handicap 0-20), Ladies’ category II (Handicap 21-30), CBN staff category, CBN retired staff category and CBN Guest category.

“Others include; veterans category for men and ladies, auxiliary prizes for nearest to the Pin for ladies, men and CBN staff, longest Drive for ladies, men and CBN staff. Finally, the overall winner carts away the next prize. The tournament shall be a stoke play-shot gun format, which means that all the competing golfers will tee off at the same time from different points on the golf course,” he revealed.

Speaking earlier, the captain of IBB Golf Club, Sunday Emeh (SAN) had commended the apex bank for keeping to its promise of organising the tournament every year, announcing: “Our members are always excited each year the tournament comes up. We want to specifically thank the CBN Governor for showing interest in the golf tournament.”

The tournament competition secretary, Austin Nwachukwu had while appealing to the apex bank to make the tournament a two-day event to accommodate more golfers and make it more competitive, revealed that over 200 amateur golfers will be participating.