Nigeria’s former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has extolled the numerous benefits of golf, describing the sport as a peaceful activity that promotes both mental and physical well-being.

Speaking in Abuja during the ceremonial tee-off and dinner organised by the Ladies Section of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, to mark the commencement of the Lady Captain’s Cup, Jonathan emphasised the therapeutic power of the sport, saying: “Spending time in a green, natural environment, away from the pressures of daily life, is one of the best ways to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. In other ways, apart from the social interaction, playing golf is a peaceful activity that can also help lower blood pressure.”

Earlier in her address, the Lady Captain of the Section, Julie Donli, thanked the guests and participants for their support and commitment.

She described the tournament as both a sporting and social milestone, saying, “This is not just a competition, but a celebration of unity, progress, and the enduring spirit of sportsmanship.”

Champion of the tournament, Clement Chinaka, who played with a 12.5 handicap, commended the event’s organisation and spirit while describing the tournament as “one of a kind, well organized and led with excellence.

“The Lady Captain has shown capacity and this tournament was the climax of her leadership. I didn’t play too well at the front nine, but on the back nine, I decided to up my game, and here we are.”

Chinaka who played off handicap 16, returned a gross score of 85 and 69 net to beat his closest challenger, A. Chigbo, on countback.