By Ikemefuna Asika
Francis Epe, Nigeria’s reigning number one golfer from Ikoyi Country Club has won the inaugural Acropolis golf tournament which took place on Saturday at Acropolis Golf Course, Okija, Ihiala Council Area of Anambra State.
He played with 12 under par, 60 to set the course at the inaugural event.
Gift Willy of Python Golf Club was the runner up with eight under par 64, while Benin Golf Club’s Chukwudi Okoro placed third, shooting 67.
In the ladies category, Nkechi Nwaokolo, a 36 handicapper won with a 112 gross score with her net of 76 to beat Rita Izojie with two strokes at 78 net to the second place, while Nkechi Musa-Tolani picked the third prize returning a 79 net score in 18 holes.
Reacting to his victory, Epe said it was his first visit to Okija and he was impressed with the Acropolis Golf Course which he described as well laid out and he had to play with his full strength.
“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,” he said.
On his part, Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, the promoter of the Acropolis Gardens and Residence Golf Course facility who tee-d off the game said that the goal was to re-introduce Okija, his community, to the world.
He stated that Okija meant different things to different people but the idea of building the golf course was to change the narrative and make people have a positive impression when and wherever the community was mentioned.
Azudialu – Obiejesi said he was fulfilled to see the class of people who showed up for the inaugural event, and how far some of them had had to travel to feature at the event.
He disclosed that plans are underway to hold series of events at least once in a quarter that would involve the professionals.
“Acropolis Gardens and Residence Golf Course is now open and we have a befitting world-class 155 rooms capacity at the Acropolis Gardens and Residence Golf Course to cater for their accommodation while they are here”.
The Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria through its director, Tony Philmoore commended the facility and said it qualified for a grade A facility given the level of finesse that was put in at every level of the 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,” he said.
Chimezie Anaso, Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Anambra chapter who witnessed the inauguration and Teeing – off ceremony, commended Azudialu-Obiejesi for building first golf course in Anambra.
Anaso, said SWAN, Anambra State chapter looks forward to seeing the game of golf become popular in the state while expressing their readiness to partner Acropolis management to make it a hub in Southeast.
“This is impressive, a true definition of private sector partnership in sports development, we are pleased with the birth of Acropolis Golf Course, it will not only widen the scope of sports in Anambra State with all its attendant benefits but also increase the scope of our coverage as sports writers,” he said.
The Acropolis Golf Course is the first privately owned nine-hole course sitting on a 42-hectre with undulating topography and natural in the heart of Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra.
Altogether not less than 82 professionals and amateur golfers from across Nigeria took part in the tournament.
