10 African countries to compete in IBB Ladies Amateur Golf Tournament

No fewer than 400 golfers from about 10 African countries are set to slug it out for honours in the 26th edition of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Amateur Ladies Open in Abuja.
The tournament is scheduled to be held from February 13 to 17 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Lady Captain of the club, Dame Julie Donli, r
evealed that this year’s tournament, themed “The Abuja Experience,” promises to be unforgettable.
She said the Abuja experience would include a city tour and cultural displays, adding that couture from northern Nigeria, as well as cuisines and delicacies that would captivate and impress guests, would be displayed.

Donli said: “All is now set for the Ladies Section of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja to host the 26th edition of the IBB Amateur Ladies Open.

“We are expecting no fewer than 400 golfers, ladies and gentlemen who will be playing as guests from within the country as well as from other African countries.

“It is going to be an Open to remember as we will be showcasing our culture, dressing, food, drink, music, and a good taste of our hospitality. Just as the theme goes, it promises to be an unforgettable event. We will be welcoming all our players in a special way and taking them on a tour around the city, which promises to be fun and exciting.

“The beautiful thing about the championship is that it starts on Valentine’s Day, which is Feb. 14, so there’s going to be so much love in the air.”

Donli said so far about 10 African countries had indicated interest in participating in the championship, with over 400 players expected from across the country and the rest of the world.
She listed some of the participating countries as Uganda, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, and Cameroon, as well as hosts Nigeria.

The Lady Captain assured that everything had been put in place to ensure an exciting outing for all the participants, with several side attractions lined up for the five-day event.

She noted that the championship was important because it had the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), adding that the professionals would also take part in the tournament with many mouth-watering prizes to be won.

She added, “The championship will feature a female professionals’ tournament with a $5,000 prize money. The Amateur Championship boasts a return ticket to the UK, and an all-expense-paid weekend stay at the Ibom Golf Resort in Uyo, along with other interesting prizes. It will be preceded by a caddies and course workers competition, which is the first of its kind.”

Donli urged all interested participants to ensure that they registered on time so as not to be left out, adding that registration for the tournament would close on Jan. 24.

She said there was a free accommodation package for the first 50 ladies (pros included) to register.