Danjuma wins 2017 IBB Ladies Open Golf Championship

@josh_flexy Nigeria’s Rachael Danjuma has emerged champion of the 2017 IBB Ladies Open Amateur Golf Championship which climaxed at the IBB Golf Club in Abuja on Sunday.

Danjuma, with 256 gross over three days displaced the defending champion, Amina Wilfred of Nigeria in spite of a disappointing final round play.

She garnered 83 gross and 82 gross in the first and second rounds respectively but could only manage a disappointing 91 gross on the final day.

Ghanaian Jessica Tei finished second with a total of 267 gross, with Wilfred in third spot after finishing on the same gross with Tei (267) but losing after a count back.

It would be recalled that no fewer than 160 lady golfers took part in this year’s tournament which was the event’s 19th edition.

The players who took part in the four-day amateur golf tournament which teedoff on Thursday were from four countries, namely Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Speaking to journalists after the championship, Danjuma said: “It was very difficult and challenging but I am glad I finished top of the bunch at the end.”

She attributed the victory to determination and hard work, stressing that “I have been working very hard to win this title since last year.

“In October [2016], I won the Ladies Open in Port Harcourt and followed it up by winning the Open in Lagos.

“I had to ensure that I gave good account of myself here in Abuja and win the championship in order to improve my ranking.

“I trained very hard to become this year’s champion and I am so pleased and satisfied with what I have achieved so far.”

On her part, former champion Wilfred said: “I would be lying to say that I’m not disappointed to have lost the title.

“I had a little challenge with my one-wood and so I couldn’t execute my long drives perfectly. I wanted to buy one at hole 19 but it was too expensive so I borrowed a friend’s, whose shaft was heavier than my swing.

“However, I can honestly say that I’m delighted that I lost the title to my sister Danjuma, rather than to Jessica Tei of Ghana.”