IBB Ladies Open: 400 Amateur Golfers To Swing For Honours

No fewer than 400 golfers from about 10 African countries are expected to swing for honours at the 26th edition of the IBB International Golf and Country Club’s amateur ladies open in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament is scheduled to hold from February 13 to 17 at the 18-hole golf course of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Julie Donli, the lady captain of the club, disclosed yesterday, saying this year’s edition of the championship promises to be an event to remember with the theme: “The Abuja Experience”.

She said the Abuja experience would include a city tour and cultural displays.

“All is now set for the Ladies Section of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja to host the 26th edition of the IBB Amateur Ladies Open.

“We are expecting no fewer than 400 golfers, ladies and gentlemen who will be playing as guests from within the country as well as from other African countries.

“It is going to be an Open to remember as we will be showcasing our culture, dressing, food, drink, music and a good taste of our hospitality, just as the theme goes, it promises to be an “Abuja experience” indeed,” she said.

Donli said so far about 10 African countries had indicated interest in participating in the championship, with over 400 players expected from across the country and Africa.

She listed some of the participating countries to include Uganda, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, Cameroon, as well as hosts Nigeria.

The lady captain assured that everything had been put in place to ensure an exciting outing for all the participants, with several side attractions lined up for the five-day event.

She noted that the championship was important because it had the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), adding that the professionals would also take part in the tournament with so many mouth-watering prizes to be won.

“The championship will feature a female professionals tournament with a 5000 dollars prize money.

“The amateur championship boasts a return ticket to the UK, and an all-expense paid weekend stay at the Ibom Golf Resort in Uyo, along with other interesting prizes.

“It will be preceded by a caddies and course workers competition which is the first of its kind,” she said.

Donli urged all interested participants to ensure that they registered on time so as not to be left out, adding that registration for the tournament would close on January 24.