Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-02 03:10:35
Minna Cantonment Golf Club’s Francis Christopher defied the odds and emerged victorious in the second Acutech Pro-Am Golf Championship, securing the title with an unexpected under-par 64 in the closing round. Despite starting the final round in joint 13th place, Christopher’s impressive performance propelled him to victory and solidified his position as a rising star in the Professional Golf Association of Nigeria Tour.
Reflecting on his remarkable achievement, Christopher attributed his success to his focus on hitting the greens in regulation and making the most of his putts. His dedication to training and his unwavering belief in God were also contributing factors to his outstanding performance. His score of 64, -5 overshadowed the strong contenders, including Kamalu Bako and Mike Ubi, who had been favored to win the championship. Bako finished as the runner-up, trailing behind Christopher by two strokes, while Ubi tied with Okoh Johnson for the third position.
Tare Alebiosu, Director of Acutech, expressed his delight at the exceptional display of talent exhibited by the players during the event. He emphasized the company’s commitment to promoting and nurturing golf talent in Nigeria, acknowledging the pivotal role played by young and active professional golfers in shaping the sport’s future. Alebiosu highlighted the significance of providing a platform for these athletes to showcase their skills and contribute to the growth of the golf community.
In the ladies’ professional class, Bola Mustapha emerged as the victor, securing a three-shot lead over her closest competitor, Amina Wilfred. The competition in the senior Tour was fierce, with Liman Mohammed of IBB Golf and Country Club claiming the top spot.
Christopher’s triumph in the championship propelled him to the top of the Order of Merit, the Nigeria PGA’s ranking system for the 2024 season. He now holds a commanding position over renowned players such as Francis Epe, Gift Willy, Oche Odoh, and Olapade Sunday, solidifying his status as a formidable force in the professional golf circuit.
Overall, the second Acutech Pro-Am Golf Championship was a resounding success, celebrating the exceptional talent and sportsmanship displayed by the participants. The event demonstrated the vibrancy and potential of the Nigerian golf community, providing a platform for emerging stars to shine and contributing to the overall growth and development of the sport. As the season progresses, golf enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the next opportunity for these remarkable athletes to showcase their prowess and compete at the highest level.
