Okonofua, Kuma Claim TYB Men, Ladies’ Single Match Play

 Isaiah Okonofua and Faeren Kuma hugged the limelight as winners of Tukur Yusuf Buratai (TYB) International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja single match play finals in the men and ladies’ categories respectively.

Okonofua, playing off handicap 10, resurged from the throes of defeat to edge 18-handicapper, AVM Ladan, and claim glory one up in the keenly contested final held over the weekend and played alongside the TYB New Year kitty.

“I started poorly and was already four down at hole 7., but I told myself that I was going to fight back doggedly.

“Indeed, the beast in me came out, and I began to play better on the back nine and ended up with the victory at hole 18.

“It was a very tough match play as the opponent I competed with was a  fantastic golfer, but I gave him a game and put up a good showing to emerge victorious,” he said.

In the ladies’ single match play, Kuma, playing off handicap 35 beat Sarah Kudi 2 and 1.

The pair of Philip Kum and Sam Anyande emerged winners of the TYB men’s double match play category after they defeated the partnership of Chile Ushahonba and Stephen Godwin.

In his remarks, Ali Peters, the Vice Captain of the club, expressed excitement at the start of the new season.

He said the club would soon be wearing a new look with the ongoing construction of a befitting world-class practice range as well as the upgrade of some of its facilities.

“We have so many tournaments lined up for the year, and this is just the beginning. We have a lot of work to do in terms of upgrading and maintaining our lush green course.

“We are doing reticulation on our front and back nine and built a 10,000-litre tank with a network of pipes to ensure that both our greens and fairways are in good condition all year round,” he said.