Ibom Golf to host inaugural Ladies Championship ‘The Bloom’
The Ibom Golf and Country Club is set to host its first-ever ladies championship, with organisers describing the event as a major step in promoting golf and sports tourism in the state.
The two-day competition, titled “The Bloom”, is scheduled to take place from March 27 to 28 and is expected to attract over 100 participants from across Nigeria, including golfers from Lagos, Port Harcourt and other regions.
Lady Captain of the club, Maryann Udoka Cephas, said the tournament marks a significant milestone for the ladies’ section.
“This is going to be the first of its kind. Since the inception of this club, the ladies’ section, we’ve had several tournaments… but we’ve never had a huge tournament like this one,” she said.
She added that the event would feature top officials of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), including its president, Lami Ahmed, alongside other executives and invited guests.
According to the organisers, the championship will feature multiple categories, including veterans for players aged 55 and above, as well as handicap divisions ranging from 0 to 36 for both men and women.
However, the highlight of the competition will be the selection of the Ibom Ladies Champion, restricted to female golfers with handicaps between 0 and 28, who will compete over two days to determine the overall winner.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Group Manager, Marketing and Communication, Aniekan Essienette, said the event goes beyond sport, emphasising community, discipline and excellence.
“This isn’t just about a game of golf; it’s about the spirit of community and the pursuit of excellence that this club represents,” he said.
He also commended the management of the facility, describing it as one of the state’s key assets in promoting tourism and positioning Akwa Ibom as a destination for international sporting events.
Essienette noted that the initiative aligns with the development agenda of Governor Umo Eno, particularly in promoting tourism and healthy living.
“The government… remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote tourism and healthy living,” he added.
Organisers say winners across various categories will receive trophies and prizes, with awards for overall best male and female golfers, as well as gross winners.
Also, Ibom Golf Captain, Isua Archibong, applauded the ladies’ section particularly the Lady Captain, Mrs. Maryann Cephas for initiating the club’s maiden ladies golf tournament.
