Paul, Dexter, others win as Lakowe Golf Classics return

After a one-year hiatus, the annual Lakowe Classics Golf Tournament, which in the past featured the crème-de-la-crème of both professional and amateur golfers made a return to the club.

The classics is the flagship tourney of the Lakowe Golf and Country Estate. Since making its debut, it has been used to celebrate the country’s independence anniversary, while also showcasing the best of the sport and real estate.

Patrick Paul, with a gross score of 73 carried the day in the professionals’ category, while Epe Francis and Sunday Olapade carded 74 and 75 gross to finish second and third in that order.

The team consisting of Muazu Safiyanu, Scott Baxter, Peter Eben-Spiff and Vitus Ezinwa, finished tops in the Pro-Am, and were tailed in second place by the quartet of Chidi Tobias, Okey Ananaba, Hector Okposo and Richard Smith. Pro Friday Adache, led Tunji Adebayo, Prince Yemi Ajibola and Deji Alli, as his team settled for the third spot on the leaderboard.

Speaking during the independence anniversary festivities, the Country Manager, Mixta Africa and Hospitality Manager, Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate, Mrs. Sade Hughes said: “We wanted to showcase the beauty that is Lakowe Lakes, and show that it goes beyond the golf course and beautiful scenery. It’s a full-blown community with so many other hidden gems and activities. The weekend might be over, but you can enjoy any of these activities whenever you want – as a property owner/resident of the estate, or as a guest”. 

He added: “The golf tournament was just a part of a bigger package offered this year to launch the new restaurant, a corporate lodge and a sports centre.”

On the absence of the tourney last year, he said: “For everyone in the hospitality business, it has been very difficult, especially with social distancing and we still have to be mindful of the fact that we can’t go over 50 per cent capacity. That is one of the reasons why we don’t have 80, 90 or 100 players on the course. COVID-19 is real and it is still here, so we have to adhere to the rules and regulations.”

Built around the golf tourney this year, for the enjoyment of golfers and residents of the estate were other activities including a live podcast session, picnic lunch and dinner. There were also panel discussions on several issues in addition to a stage play by Terra Kulture, and a bonfire party.

Campbell said after these past years, it became necessary to up the tempo in order to show the world that beyond the golf course, the estate was growing in lifestyle, sports, recreation and other areas, all of which are available to residents and non-residents.

“For us, we are very happy that the golf course is growing, the estate is also growing, and more facilities are coming on board. So, going forward, we are looking at the potential of hosting an international tournament next year,” he stated.