Kiddies take centre stage as Nigeria Cup tees off tomorrow

The next generation of Nigerian golfers will take the centre stage on the opening day of the Nigeria Cup, which tees off at the Ikoyi Club…tomorrow.

Youths from the Ikoyi golf community and its environs will gather tomorrow at the Ikoyi Club to test their ability on the course.

It is the opening day of the Nigeria Cup, a competition that commemorates the country’s Independence, but the club also sees it as an opportunity to test the progress of the future stars of the game.

This year’s edition of the Nigeria Cup, with the theme ‘who the cap fits,’ according to the chairman of the local organizing committee, Babatunde Johnson, will also celebrate Nigeria’s arts and culture.

He promised the participants, including Nigeria Cup sponsors, an enriching experience, which will make them want to return to the club.

After the kid golfers, Johnson said the Caddies will have their day on Monday, while lady golfers from the section will take to the course on Tuesday.

“A special Independent Day Kitty will hold on Wednesday, while the touring professionals will play over 36-holes for N2 million prize money.

“Veterans, sponsors and guests will play on Friday, just as amateur golfers will compete for honours on Saturday, while the closing ceremony will hold at the MUSON Centre on September 30.

He explained that the MUSON Centre fits into the organizing committee’s plan being the official residence of the Premier during the First Republic.

“A special prize, N5 million, has been set aside for any golfer, who is able to play a hole-in-one throughout the competition,” Johnson said.

Johnson is elated by the array of sponsors for the event, which attracts both amateur and professional golfers to the hallowed greens of the elite club.