The President of the Ladies Golfers Association of Nigeria (LGAN), Mrs Evelyn Oyome, has described Golf as sporting game that unites all segments of people in the society.
The President of LGAN stated this during the 10th Enugu Ladies Open Golf Championship held in Enugu on Saturday.
The lady golfer explained that golf improved health and heart due to the exercise involved in the game.
Oyome, who won the championship, noted that walking an average course for a round of golf could be between five kilometres and seven kilometres.”
She said, “If you walk 18 holes three to five times a week, you’ll get an optimal amount of endurance exercise for your heart. If you pull your clubs and carry them, you’ll burn even more calories in each round and benefit even more.
Speaking on the championship, Oyome commended Lady Nkiru Agbogu, Captain, Lady Golfers of Enugu Golf Section and her Committee for the successful hosting of the tournament which she said was aimed at showcasing female golfers’ talents.
“I am overwhelmed with joy over the success story of this Golf Championship. This is my first time in Enugu and I have never played in this golf course before.
“I played 84 gross on the first day, the second day, I played 80 and today, I played 83. We are playing a wrap up tournament of 54 holes.
“This is my last tournament as the President of LGAN and actually I was with the Vice President at this event; her name is Dr Lami Ahmed from IBB Golf Club and she will be taking over the leadership,”.
She, however, dismissed the notion that golf was an elitist game, advising beginners not to go for expensive Golf trolleys and bags.
Also, the Chairman of the Enugu Sports Club, Mr Ifeanyi Nweke, represented by the former Chairman of the club, Chief Nnanna Atuonwu, expressed joy over the tournament and described the three days of the game as ‘memorable days’.
He explained that Enugu Sports Club was founded in 1929, adding that members had been making efforts to make it better.
Nweke applauded Agbogu for her incredible support in hosting the game, saying “I am sure when the participants go back, they will go with sweet memories of Enugu as I saw many of them eating Enugu local delicacies.
“So as we go back tomorrow, we pray that the Almighty to lead you safely back to your respective homes”.
The Captain, Golf Section, Enugu Sports Club, Mr Ikem Okoye, while hailing the performance of the participants, said he was proud of Agbogu for hosting the game.
Earlier, Agbogu, thanked God for the successful hosting of the tournament, stressing that there were a lot of challenges, especially on issue of funding.
According to her, funding was a great challenge in organising this type of championship and it also demands reaching out to people, companies, organisations for sponsorship.
“The championship with the theme “Fostering a Sense of Camaraderie with Golfing” kicked off last Wednesday with 50 lady golfers from different states in Nigeria in attendance.
“About 75 registered male golfers also took part in the game as guest golfers while prizes and trophies were given out to winners of various categories during the grand finale,” Agbogu added.