By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Dec. 31, 2024 (NAN) Participants at the recently concluded 2024 NLNG Golf Classic Invitational at the Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC) have described the event as a world class experience that keeps exceeding all expectations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2024 edition of the NLNG Golf Classic
ended in Bonny, Rivers State with Oluwaseun Adedipe and Lady Kafayat Bamimore clinching the top prizes in the men and ladies categories.
The competition, which was sponsored by the
Nigeria LNG was the fifth in the series.
The annual golf competition, staged at the
serene, and lush green course of the BIGC had
no fewer than 100 golfers competing for
honours in the different categories.
A cross section of golfers who spoke to NAN in separate interviews noted that this year’s edition was remarkable, adding that the competition keeps getting bigger and better each year.
Maj. A.I. Akatu, the General Secretary of TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja, described his first-time experience at BIGC as worthwhile and a memorable one.
“Right from the reception when we arrived at the hospitality and organisation, everything was perfect.
“From what I saw, even the course is world class, and it is my desire that I will have the privilege of coming to play in this course subsequently.
“I am also looking forward to being adopted as a child of this land,” he said.
AVM Morgan from IBB Golf Club, Abuja, noted that the NLNG Golf Classic Invitational was a first-time experience and wonderful outing for him, adding that he was already looking forward to coming back again.
“The Golf course is a very tough one, but a highly standard one. It is very tricky as my front nine wasn’t the best, but I tried to catch up at the back nine.
“So, it was a wonderful outing for me, and I really loved playing here. I look forward to coming back here again,” he said.
Uche Isikaku from Port Harcourt Golf Club said it was also his first time and a very fantastic experience for him, adding that the course wasn’t as tough as he had envisaged.
“The people who talk about this course don’t do justice to it. It is a beautiful golf course.
“It doesn’t feel like a nine hole golf course, and it’s difficult to even drive your second ball on the par 4.
“All in all, it’s a fantastic golf course, tricky bends, but I think I’ll like to come back again,” he said.
Nyoki Ita of Calabar Golf Club said the NLNG Golf Classic Invitational was a one-of-a-kind experience and a signature tournament that leaves lasting memories in the minds and heart of all participants; both old and new alike.
“We arrived in Port Harcourt in one piece after a stress-free voyage.
“We’re still relishing the signature hospitality of the NLNG family.
“On behalf of my colleagues, I appreciate the captain, lady captain, and members of BIGC for the warmth and candour we enjoyed this past weekend at the 2024 Golf Classic.
“You keep exceeding all expectations, kudos,” he said.
Francis Sinki from Port Harcourt Golf Club said the organisation and hospitality was top notch.
“We were so honoured and glad to be part of this year’s event.
“As a matter of fact, we are still yet to get over the Bonny Island dream and experience.
“To the indefatigable Capo and his team, very nice shots and well played! May God Almighty bless and replenish all your efforts,” he said.
Abubakar Hussaini, the Captain of BIGC said it was a memorable event full of fond memories, adding that he hoped the golfers had an experience of a life time as they worked tirelessly as a club to ensure no one was left in doubt about the quality and high standards of the tournament.
“It’s been a long journey, and we were happy to welcome golfers from across the country to this annual event, which is the biggest on our calendar.
“We feel so honoured that our guests accepted our invitation and enjoyed the serene environment of our beautiful and unique golf course during the NLNG Classic Invitational here in BIGC.
“NLNG is known for excellence, and we hope all participants enjoyed an excellent golfing experience in every sense of the word.
“In our invitation, we reminded our guests to come with enough golf balls as our course is full of leaks, and I hope it served them well.
“This is the 5th edition, and it will only continue to grow stronger with larger fields in and out.
“But most importantly, is the fact that we will get to meet each other again, connect and continue to further the industry,” he said.
Hussaini appreciated the various organisations and all the sister clubs from across the country who were represented at the event, starting foremost with NLNG’s regulators, NCDMB and NMDPRA as well as their shareholders; NNPC, Shell, Total and Eni.
He thanked all participants for accepting BIGC’s invitation, adding that the club was looking forward to seeing everyone next year again.
Darlene Cobham, the Lady Captain of BIGC, said this year’s event was unique because it was the first time she was experiencing it as the lady captain.
“It was very interesting, challenging, and a new experience for me. As the new lady captain, I was very much involved in the organisation and planning as well as participating fully in the tournament.
“It’s indeed our biggest event of the year because it is company sponsored, and we do our very best to ensure our guests are well taken care of and enjoy our very beautiful and prestigious golf course.
“Our course is really unique, lovely and lush green; indeed the greens are green and the fairways are fair. So, it was fun and a learning experience for me.
“By next year, I will be fully involved again, and we believe that it gets bigger and better every year. So, we are looking forward to next year already,” she said.
Michael C. Ukaegbu, the Vice Captain and Chairman, Local Organising Committee, said even though it was not proper for one to rate himself, he can attest to the fact that almost all expectations were met at the end of the tournament.
“I can confidently say that over 95 per cent of our expectations as an LOC was met. It was actually beyond what we expected, but we know that there’s still room for improvement.
“We hope by next year God willing, we will improve on a lot of things to make it even better and more exciting.
“So far, so good, we had a lot of fantastic friends who expressed joy and satisfaction at the hospitality as well as the quality of the tournament and the BIGC course.
“We also had a lot of volunteers who supported us, apart from the BIGC Exco who rallied around us to ensure that the event was hitch-free and a resounding success,” he said.
Ukaegbu expressed his gratitude to the Excutive Management of NLNG for its usual and consistent support and sponsorship of the event.
He added that NLNG is a big brand, and the event presented an opportunity to network with all external stakeholders.
“All those people that helped NLNG to achieve progress in what we are today, we make sure that they come here to participate and stay together with us.
“It’s a very big opportunity to discuss, not just only about Golf, but also an opportunity to extend hands of friendship as well as collaboration, and that at the end of the day will bring that excellence which NLNG is known for,” he said.
Nnenna Ahube, former Lady Captain of BIGC noted that the tournament was wonderful, thanks to the BIGC Captain and his team who are doing great job, adding that there was room for improvement as the tournament keeps getting better every year.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
