Dennis Dilli has secured the title of overall winner at the Major General Godwin Umelo (Rtd.) 60th birthday golf tournament held in Abuja.
The event, which took place at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, was organised in celebration of Umelo’s milestone birthday.
Dilli, playing off a handicap of 24, achieved a gross score of 88 and a net score of 64 over 18 holes, earning him the top spot in the tournament.
Expressing his joy at the victory, Dilli remarked, “This win feels special as it is my first triumph in a tournament.” He credited his success to maintaining consistency and integrity throughout the competition.
“I have participated in numerous tournaments at this club for quite some time, but I had never won anything before,” Dilli shared. “Many of my friends advised me to stop entering tournaments, but I refused to give up until I accomplished my goal.”
He encouraged others to continue playing and to do so fairly, stating, “It’s important to treat yourself and your fellow players with kindness. You must possess integrity and sincerity in all your endeavours.”
Dilli extended his gratitude to the celebrant and the tournament organisers, highlighting how Umelo’s goodwill has attracted a diverse turnout, including both notable figures and those from less privileged backgrounds.
In the men’s Division 1 (handicap 0 – 14), John Odoh, playing off a handicap of 5, finished with a gross score of 72 and a net score of 67, earning him the best net award. Melody Adekunle, with a gross score of 81 and a net of 69, was the runner-up, while Joel Bizinta claimed third place.
The best gross prize in this category went to Saturday Otubo, who recorded an impressive gross score of 74.
In the ladies’ Division 1 (handicap 0 – 18), Lizzy Samuel emerged as the best net winner, playing off a handicap of 16 with a gross score of 90 and a net score of 74. Grace Luka, also playing off 16, finished as the runner-up with a gross score of 92 and a net of 76.
In the Super Veteran category, Dibu Ojerinde, playing off a handicap of 27, recorded a gross score of 107 and a net score of 81 to claim the best net award. The best net prize in the Veteran category was awarded to A. Mandara, who achieved a gross score of 89 and a net score of 71, while Martins Adaboh took home the best gross prize with a score of 84.
The professional category saw Moses Idoko emerge victorious, securing a substantial purse of N3 million after achieving a gross score of 66, which earned him N580,000. Oche Odoh claimed the runner-up position with a score of 68, winning N510,000, while Musa Usman settled for second runner-up with a gross score of 69, receiving N380,000.
Additional awards included Prince David for the longest drive in the men’s category and Mariam Abdulsalam, who won the corresponding prize for women. The nearest to the pin award for men went to Gabriel Godwin, while Veronica Muda took home the women’s prize.
