Benue’s Okoko wins Ibraheem Junior Golf tourney

Godwin Okoko of Oturkpo Golf Club, Benue state, has won the 6th Awa Ibraheem Junior Golf championship.

The tournament was concluded over the weekend at the Ikeja Golf Club.

The 15-year-old edged John Alex, defending champion and clubmate, in the second playoff hole after the two players were tied after 54 holes with gross score of 233.

“I am very glad that these young golfers can face this level of competition and pull off beautiful performances, which is the essence of this event,” Awa Ibraheem, the sponsor, said during the closing ceremony.

Okoko’s effort not only made him the hottest teenage golfer, he also is expected to make a bold leap on the world amateur golf ranking, since the event locked in by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland as a point- awarding competition.

As with the tradition of the annual event, over 20 winners were awarded scholarships to encourage them to stay back in school.

David Oludare, secretary general of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), said the event matched its rating as the best junior golf championship in the country.

“This is without doubt the biggest pool of school kids anywhere in Nigeria for a competitive golf event and we must commend the visionary team that has kept the standard high and also made it possible to get global recognition,” Oludare said.

“The federation will keep supporting and partnering ventures like this to promote and grow the sport, especially at the grassroots.”

Over 95 players participated in different categories that include Under-9; 10-12; 13-15 and 16-17.

Okoko, the overall winner, played in the 13-15 class, while John Alex, runner-up, played in 16-17 category.

Destiny Oyero of Lagos state retained his title as number one in the under-9 category with a gross of 79, while other winners include Deborah Dung, Oyebo Ibrahim and Iyeneobong Essien.

On Monday, the organisers said the winners will represent Nigeria at the 2020 Africa Junior Championship in Egypt.