Yusuf Azeez triumphs at TYB valentine kitty

Yusuf Azeez produced a standout performance to emerge overall winner of the 2026 Valentine’s Day Kitty organised by the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club in Abuja, capping a colourful event that blended competitive golf with camaraderie and social celebration. Playing off handicap 28, Azeez returned a gross score of 89 and […]

Yusuf Azeez produced a standout performance to emerge overall winner of the 2026 Valentine’s Day Kitty organised by the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club in Abuja, capping a colourful event that blended competitive golf with camaraderie and social celebration.

Playing off handicap 28, Azeez returned a gross score of 89 and an excellent nett 61 to clinch the overall honours, edging a competitive field drawn from across the club’s growing membership. His consistency and composure across the course set the tone for a tournament that attracted strong participation and keen rivalry.

In Men’s Division 2, Jerry Ishaya settled for runner-up honours after posting 90 gross and 62 nett. The Men’s Division 1 category was decided on countback, with Prince David claiming victory after returning 73 gross and 68 nett. Ugo Nkwocha finished second, also on countback, ahead of Hamza Mohammed, as all three players tied on 68 nett.

The ladies’ category saw Hauwa Adamu take top honours with 81 gross and 81 nett. Maryam Ibekwe followed closely in second place with 82 nett, while Olivia Adesua placed third on 85 nett.

In the veterans’ men category, Nurudeen Abdulsalam emerged winner with 83 gross and 65 nett, as Okeke Odili and Ralph Ugwu finished second and third respectively. The guests’ category was won by Pius Waritimi, who posted 88 gross and 62 nett to edge Doris Jema, who returned 99 gross and 63 nett.

Beyond the Valentine’s kitty, the club also concluded its keenly contested Club Championship Matchplay across several categories. In the Singles Matchplay Men, Yakubu Wambai emerged Club Champion, with C.O. Okoro finishing second, while Peter S.O.O and E.B. Awala shared joint third place. Nkechi Nwaogu claimed the Singles Matchplay Ladies title, ahead of Olivia Adesua and Sarah Kudi. Among the professionals, Pro David Gabriel won the Singles Matchplay, with Pro James Okoromi finishing runner-up.

The Doubles Matchplay events also delivered excitement, as D. Ladan and I.S. Ali won the men’s title, while Richard-Obioha Maryrose and F. Anyanwu triumphed in the ladies’ category. Musa Usman and Moses Bitrus claimed the professionals’ doubles crown.

Speaking after the event, the club captain, Brig.-Gen. Nicholas Ashinze, said over 200 members participated, describing the kitty as a platform for unity, friendship and sportsmanship. Other club officials echoed similar sentiments, praising the leadership, growing membership and increasing female participation, as the Valentine’s celebration once again underscored the competitive spirit and close-knit culture that define the TYB golfing community.