Ayonmike, Okocha, Balogun dominate Archbishop Martins’ golf kitty

The 13th Episcopal Anniversary and 42nd Priestly Ordination Anniversary Golf Kitty in honour of the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, turned into a showcase of golfing excellence as players from across Nigeria battled for top honours at the Ikoyi Golf Club, Lagos. Organised by the Catholic Golfers Association of Nigeria, the […]

The 13th Episcopal Anniversary and 42nd Priestly Ordination Anniversary Golf Kitty in honour of the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, turned into a showcase of golfing excellence as players from across Nigeria battled for top honours at the Ikoyi Golf Club, Lagos.

Organised by the Catholic Golfers Association of Nigeria, the event drew participants from Ikoyi Golf Club, Shasha Golf Club, Ikeja Golf Club, Benin Golf Club, Ibadan Golf Club, and others. The ceremonial tee-off had in attendance former Chairman of Ikoyi Club, Tafa Zibiri-Aliu, along with other eminent members of the prestigious club.

In the special prizes, Joan Sho-Silva demonstrated precision to claim the Ladies’ Nearest to the Pin award on Hole 11, while Tim Ayonmike proved unstoppable, first by winning the Men’s Nearest to the Pin on the same hole and later capping his brilliance with victory in the Men’s Nett category with a superb 41 points.

For the Longest Drive on Hole 5, Ziona Obata stamped her power among the ladies, while Andrew Egbakhumeh outdrove the field in the men’s contest.

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The Veterans’ division celebrated experience and consistency. Daisy Okocha produced a remarkable 38 points to win the Ladies’ title ahead of Lola Ajibola (29 points). On the men’s side, Godfrey Odigie reigned supreme with 39 points, followed by Kayode Olofinmoyin with 32 points.

In the keenly contested Gross category, former Lady Captain Fatumata Coker showcased accuracy to win the Ladies’ title with 24 points, while Oluremi Olukoya claimed the Men’s Gross crown with 32 points. The Priest Gross prize went to Lawrence Nwachukwu, who impressed with 23 points.

The Nett category was equally fierce. Toluwalase Balogun emerged as the Ladies’ Nett Champion with 35 points, holding off Maureen Reece (32 points, countback) and Lynda Onwuazo (32 points). Among the men, it was again Tim Ayonmike who shone brightest, storming to victory with 41 points, ahead of Elias Abdelahad (37 points) and Kachi Obata (36 points).

Speaking after the ceremonial tee-off, Archbishop Martins expressed joy that the anniversaries provided an opportunity to share the gospel within the golf community.

“I am grateful for this anniversary golf Kitty organised by the Catholic Golfers Association of Nigeria in my honour. It is an opportunity to bring the good news about Jesus Christ to the golf community,” he said.

Chairman of the Catholic Golfers Association of Nigeria, Sir Emmanuel Okene, highlighted the significance of honouring the Archbishop, who was installed on August 4, 2012, and first ordained a priest on September 18, 1983.

“He (Archbishop Martins) was installed as Archbishop of Lagos on 4th August 2012 but first ordained a priest on the 18th of September 1983. On behalf of all the Golfers and all present, I wish him happy anniversaries and many more fruitful years of celebration in good health,” said Sir Okene.

Sir Okene emphasized that the central purpose of the Golf Kitty is evangelization through sport.

“The main purpose of the golf Kitty is ‘Swinging for the Faith’ with Catholic golfers as veritable and willing tool for evangelization. It is my hope and belief that this muster seed will grow strong taking the model of two strong institutions she embraces, the Catholic Church and the Game of Golf,” he concluded.