Dennis Dilli has emerged as the overall winner of Maj. Gen. Godwin Umelo (Rtd.) 60th birthday golf kitty in Abuja.

The tournament in honour of Umelo’s 60th birthday teed off on Wednesday and ended on Saturday night at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja.

Dilli, who played off handicap 24, returned a gross score of 88 and 64 net over 18 holes to emerge the overall winner of the tourney.

He expressed delight at his victory, saying that “it felt special because it is the first ever win in a tournament.

Dilli said that consistency and integrity were key to his victory.

He said: “I have been playing in a lot of tournaments here at the club for a long while, but have never won anything. Many of my friends even discouraged me from playing in any tournament again, but I refused to give up until I finally achieved my goal.

“So, my message to everyone here today is to keep on playing and playing fairly. It’s all about being nice to yourself, as well as the people you play with. You must also have that sense of integrity and sincerity in all you do.”

He thanked the celebrant and the organisers of the tournament, adding that Umelo’s goodwill had endeared so many people, both the high and mighty and the less privileged.

John Odoh, who played off handicap 5, with 72 gross and 67 net, finished as best net in the men’s division 1 (handicap 0 – 14) category.

Melody Adekunle, playing off handicap 12 with 81 gross and 69 net, finished as runner-up net, while Joel Bizinta settled for the second runner-up position in the category.

The best gross prize in the category went to Saturday Otubo, who returned an impressive 74 gross.

In the Ladies Division 1 (handicap 0 – 18) category, Lizzy Samuel, playing off a handicap of 16, returned a gross score of 90 and a net score of 74 to emerge as the best net player.

Grace Luka, playing off handicap 16, with 92 gross and 76 net, took home the runner-up prize in the category.

Dibu Ojerinde finished as best net in the Super Veteran category after he played off 27 and returned 107 gross and 81 net.

The best net prize in the Veteran category went to A. Mandara, after playing off handicap 18, with 89 gross and 71 net, while Martins Adaboh won the best gross prize after he returned 84 gross.

Moses Idoko emerged winner of the professional category with a mouth-watering N3 million purse.

This was after Idoko played 66 gross to pocket N580,000, while Oche Odoh finished as runner-up with 68 gross to smile home with N510,000, and Musa Usman settled for the second runner-up prize of N380,000 after he returned 69 gross.

In the Auxiliary award category, Prince David won the award for the longest drive in the men’s category, while Mariam Abdulsalam won the longest drive women’s prize.