Dr Tobi Oluwatola, CEO of TAO Energy, has been declared the overall best net winner of the 2025 African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) Golf tournament held in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oluwatola played off a handicap of 19, finishing with a total of 86 gross and 67 net.
The event, which was the fourth in the series, took place at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, attracting no fewer than 250 golfers.
An elated Oluwatola shared with NAN that the victory was particularly meaningful as it marked his first win after several attempts.
“It was a hard-fought battle. I am absolutely thrilled, especially because I have been working very hard for this,” he said.
“I have been playing for four years. It’s a game I truly love and am very passionate about.
“I have had many second-place finishes in this tournament, but this is the first time I have finished as the overall winner, so this trophy holds a special place in my heart.”
The energy entrepreneur noted that although he started strong, he faced challenges towards the end of the course that nearly derailed his game.
“I realised from the start that I was playing well, putting the balls nicely and achieving several pars.
“However, towards the end, I began to feel nervous. On hole 17, I hit my tee shot on a par 3 into the bushes, and I thought that would be the end of my tournament.
“But I managed to retrieve the ball from the bushes and, although it didn’t quite reach the green, I chipped it into the hole from outside the fringe. At that moment, I felt that luck was on my side and I was going to win.
“I played par on the last hole, and the rest is history,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to the organisers for hosting a superb tournament on the serene and lush greens of the TYB International Golf Club, adding that he is already looking forward to a tougher challenge in next year’s edition.
NAN also reports that Oluwatola was closely followed by Charles Ona of TYB Golf Club, who finished as the runner-up net with a score of 96 gross and 72 net after playing off a handicap of 24.
Aliyu Ambursa secured the second runner-up position in the men’s category with a score of 92 gross and 77 net, playing off a handicap of 15.
Victor Garba emerged as the best gross winner in the men’s category with a total gross score of 84, while Salisu Ali was the runner-up with a gross score of 85.
In the ladies’ category, Maureen Apute, Lady Captain of TYBIGRCC and playing off a handicap of 18, claimed the title of best net winner with a score of 87 gross and 69 net.
Saratu Kudi, who played off a handicap of 24, finished as runner-up net with a gross score of 101 and net score of 77, while Rose Nyam clinched the best gross prize in the women’s category with a score of 92 gross. (NAN)
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