Ado Salisu
S.J. Marcus has emerged champion of the maiden TYB Lady Captain’s Cup Championship, which concluded on Sunday at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club in Abuja.
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The three-day tournament teed off on Friday, attracting golfers from across the country in what has been described as one of the club’s most competitive and colourful events.
Marcus, playing off handicap 14, returned an impressive 141 net to claim the top prize in the ladies’ Division 1 category, finishing ahead of Patience Abechi, who recorded 152 net to place second. Rose Nyam followed with 155 net to secure the second runner-up position, while Elizabeth Samuel posted the best gross score of 178 over two days.
Speaking after her victory, an emotional Marcus attributed her success to determination and consistency.
“Winning the maiden edition of this championship feels surreal. It’s not just a trophy—it’s a milestone,” she said.
“There were moments I felt the pressure, but I reminded myself that good golf is played one shot at a time. I kept my rhythm and trusted my swing.”
She also praised the tournament’s camaraderie and the leadership of Lady Captain Maureen Apute.
“Lady Captain Apute has inspired us all. Her dedication pushed many of us to prepare better and give our best,” Marcus added.
In the men’s Division 1 category, Isaiah Okonofua topped the leaderboard with 68 net, followed by Babajide Ashebu, who returned 77 gross to finish with 72 net.
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The veterans’ categories also delivered exciting performances. Mary Rose Obioha won the ladies’ best net, while Florence Anyanwu finished runner-up.
In the men’s veteran division, Paul Erokoro claimed the best net prize, and Martins Adabo took home the best gross award. Super Veteran champion Dibu Ojerinde again demonstrated remarkable consistency.
Guest golfers also made their mark: Jennifer Shaapera won the net prize in the ladies’ category, with Josephine Benjamin securing the best gross, while Mercy Nana finished runner-up. On the men’s side, Kabiru Adamu returned 63 net and 87 gross to win best net, as Sunday Felix captured the best gross with a score of 78.
In the sponsors’ category, Shola Mese emerged best net, with Tony Onyishi finishing runner-up.
Auxiliary prizes were also hotly contested. Shaapera recorded the longest drive on Day 1 in the ladies’ category with 281 metres, while Femi Ayodele smashed a 332-metre drive to lead the men. Abechi took the Day 2 ladies’ longest drive with 265 metres. Nyam won the Day 1 ladies’ nearest-to-pin at 3 feet, while Ali Idoko claimed the men’s category at 10 feet. The Day 2 nearest-to-pin prizes went to Doris Gema and Mark Obetta.
Lady Captain Maureen Apute, whose tenure ends with this maiden championship, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support shown by golfers nationwide.
“The ladies travelled from Lafia, Kaduna, Zaria, Kano and Lagos just to honour me,” she said.
Apute praised patrons, captains, sponsors and caddies, describing the latter as “like my children.” She also used the occasion to advocate cervical cancer awareness among women.
“Cervical cancer is preventable when discovered early. We must not wait for symptoms. Screening saves lives,” she urged.
Club Captain Brig.-Gen. Nicholas Ashinze commended the tournament’s organisation, describing it as a celebration of excellence, unity and sportsmanship.
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Dr. Ali Peters, the Club’s Vice Captain, echoed this sentiment, noting that the tournament has set “a benchmark for excellence.”
“This maiden Lady Captain’s Cup should not be a one-off. We must build on this success and empower more lady golfers,” he said, while praising volunteers and caddies for their contributions.
LOC Chairman Mark Obetta thanked the club leadership and sponsors for their support, noting that the event is widely regarded as one of the club’s best-organised championships.