With a 61 gross score, combined handicap of four and net score of 57, Team Zion Golfers, comprising Lynda Obieze, Bidemi Ojo, Fred Appah and Jimoh Ogundare, on Wednesday, beat the field to win the maiden Catholic Golfers Charity kitty themed “Swing to Serve with Love.”

They beat Team Lasgidi Banditos to the second position on count back.

The special charity golf kitty held at the Ikeja Golf Club, according to the organisers, was aimed at raising funds for the mental health and wellbeing of priests, religious, and consecrated persons.

Team Lasgidi Banditos, comprising Abiola Adewusi, Lynda Onwuazo, Femi Ajala and Omobola Omofaiye with a combined handicap of nine, came second with a 66 gross score and a net score of 57, came second, while the third spot went to Team Ikeja Club, featuring Amusa Kilani, Muritala Rasaki, Mojeed Aberuagba and Anthony Akogwu with a combined handicap of three. They recorded a 61 gross score and net score of 58.

Team Unique Sisters, comprising Ihuaru Akachukwu, Olije Adekoya, Sotonye Wabote and Karin Ekpe, won the Best Dressed Group award in the charity initiative promoted by Rev. Fr. Michael Olofinlade, through the St. Kizito Wellness Project, with focus on strengthening mental health support systems for clergy and consecrated persons.

Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Rev. Fr. Olofinlade said: “This golf kitty is more than a game; it is a charity kitty dedicated to promoting robust mental health support for the clergy, religious and consecrated persons.”

Also speaking on the event, the chairman of the Competition Committee, Mrs Candy Agu, disclosed that the tournament took the Texas Scramble format and featured a shotgun start, ensuring an engaging and inclusive experience for participants of all skill levels.

She said: “Rev.Fr. Michael runs an organisation called St. Kizito’s Wellness Project, which supports priests with respect to their mental health.

“So, what we have done is to create awareness about the fact that priests are human, who also have some mental health challenges that they go through.

“We have used this event to raise some money for St. Kizito’s Wellness Project. The format of the event is very popular with charity events, which is just to have fun and relax.

“All four members of each participating team play as one with one scorecard and one score. This way, they take advantage of each person’s strength in their team.”

She disclosed that the organisers set a N10 million target from the competition, adding, “I know we did about N7 million, which could leave us with up to N5 million.”