Nigeria’s current number one golfer, Francis Epe, shot a brilliant twelve under par 60 to set the course record at the opening tournament of the Acropolis Gardens and Residence Golf Course, Okija, in Anambra State over the weekend.
The event, which was graced by invited top professionals and amateurs across the country, had 86 golfers compete for honours at the 42-hectare nine-hole facility.
Epe’s record of 12 under par was four shots ahead of Python Golf Club’s Gift Willy, who claimed the runner-up prize in the professional category with eight under par 64, while Benin Golf Club’s Chukwudi Okoro placed third, shooting 67.
Thirty-six handicapper Nkechi Nwaokolo, with a 112 gross score, won the lady’s category with her net of 76, beating Rita Izojie with two strokes at 78 net, while Nkechi Musa-Tolani picked the third prize, returning a 79 net score in 18 holes.
“The course is well laid out and played to my strengths. I just told myself that I was going to avoid all the sand traps and water hazards, and I also chipped in twice in the round. In all, I had 12 birdies and six pars. It was a bogey-free round,” Epe said after the win.
The promoter of the facility, Azudialu-Obiejesi, was thrilled by the presence of top-class people that showed up for the inaugural event and how far some of them travelled to feature at the event.
“Acropolis Gardens and Residence Golf Course is now open, and we have a befitting world-class 155-room capacity at the Acropolis Gardens and Residence Golf Course to cater for their accommodation while they are here. We are planning to hold a series of events at least once a quarter that would involve the professionals going forward,” he said.
The Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria, represented by its director, Tony Philmoore, also commended the level of excellence that was put in at every level of the facility’s construction.
“I dare say that this facility is one of the best in the country. As the director of the PGA in Nigeria, I am very proud that the promoters of this project did not hold anything back in making sure they gave a world-class infrastructure. I and the present PGA executives will be working with this team to make sure they realise their goal.”