KADUNA/Nigeria: Andrew Oche Odoh from IBB International Golf Club Abuja has emerged winner of the first edition, KADINVEST Pinnacle Communications Pro-Am Golf Tournament.
Oche Odoh played -11 to finish tops, and was presented with a cash prize of N702,000, with bonus of N200,000 donated to him by Pinnacle Chairman, Sir Lucky Omoluwa and another N50,000 from the Captain of host club, Kaduna Golf Club (KGC), Colonel Ibrahim Biu (rtd).
His elder brother, Martins Odoh from Minna Golf Club finished as runner-up after playing -1 and got cash prize of N390,000 and additional N100,000 from Pinnacle Communications Chairman.
Second runner-up went to Bako K. (0) from Kano Golf Club and earned N312,000 while the best international participant, Korblah E. (1) finished fourth and received N249,600.
Fifth position went to Epe F. (3) got N197,600, sixth, Francis C. (6) got N176,800 and seventh Ayisah L. from Ghana (8) earned N166,000.
Four players tied on the eight spot. They are Mohammed .H., Abubakar M., Odegha S.J. and Olapade S. They all played (9) and are each entitled to N156,000.
After receiving his trophy and cheque, Odoh thanked the sponsor and management of KGC.
“Since I became a pro 14 years ago, this is the first time we are playing professional golf in here.
“I want to say thank you to all who supported me while growing up.
“To the sponsor, Mr. Lucky, thank you for giving professionals this opportunity. We would forever remain grateful.
“I thank my elder brother and my caddy Abu. Now I am battling will sponsorship. The prize money will help me to fund my ticket fares to international tournaments,” he said.
Chairman Pinnacle Communications, Sir Lucky Omoluwa in his remarks, vowed to make Kaduna a rallying point for golf in Nigeria, by sponsoring a professional golf tournament every quarter.
He announced this at the presentation ceremony of the KADINVEST Pinnacle Communications Pro-Am Golf Tournament at the Kaduna Golf Club (KGC) on Friday.
“Quarterly we would have professional tournaments. From now on, when you mention golf, Kaduna should be mentioned. Whatever I can do to make this club greater than what it is, I would continue to do,” he assured.
He praised the Captain of KGC for setting an enviable standard at the club.
On why he sponsored the professional tourney, he said that as a former professional himself himself, he looked at it and thought they could do something.
“Though I Never thought that it would be this big,” he confessed.
He commended the golf professionals that participated for setting up good standards.
“I understand the two that played under are brothers. I would say congratulations.
Let us do everything to support this game,” he said.
He announced additional N200,000 and N100,000 for winner and runner-up respectively for playing under, while wishing the participants a safe journey.
“Wish you safe journeys and we hope to welcome you here soon again,” he said.
