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 as the unexpected champion of the second Acutech Pro-Am Golf Championship, securing his victory with an impressive under-par 64 in the final round. Christopher, who had started the day in joint 13th place, managed to clinch the title with a remarkable performance at the Ikeja Golf Club.
Speaking after his victory, Christopher expressed his gratitude to God and credited his training routine for his outstanding performance. His strategy of focusing on hitting the greens in regulation and making the most of his putts paid off, leading to his unexpected success. His final score of 64, which was five under par, overshadowed the strong contenders, including Nigeria’s former number ones, Kamalu Bako and Mike Ubi. Bako finished as the runner-up, just two strokes behind Christopher, while Ubi tied with Okoh Johnson for the third position.
Acutech Director, Tare Alebiosu, commended the players for their excellent performances, emphasizing the company’s commitment to showcasing Nigeria’s golf talent. Alebiosu highlighted the young and active demographics of professional golfers in Nigeria, expressing the company’s belief that supporting these players will contribute to the growth of the golf community and provide a platform to celebrate their skills.
In the ladies’ professional class, Bola Mustapha secured a three-shot victory, while in the senior Tour, Liman Mohammed emerged as the winner. Christopher’s triumph at the event has placed him at the top of the Order of Merit for the 2024 season, solidifying his position as a top contender in the Nigeria PGA’s ranking system.
The unexpected victory has not only earned Christopher recognition but has also set the stage for a thrilling season, with other top players such as Francis Epe, Gift Willy, Oche Odoh, and Olapade Sunday eagerly awaiting their chance to compete and potentially surpass Christopher’s leading position.
Overall, the second Acutech Pro-Am Golf Championship showcased the immense talent within the Nigerian golfing community, with Christopher’s surprise victory serving as a testament to the dedication and skill of the country’s professional golfers. As the golf season progresses, all eyes will be on the top players as they strive for success in future events, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation within the golfing community.
