Mbuko leads over 200 players to LPGA inaugural tournament
Nigeria’s only female professional golfer, Uloma Mbuko will lead a field of over 200 professional and amateur lady golfers to the inaugural edition of the Ladies Professional Golfers Association of Nigeria, LPGA, tournament which tees off today at the prestigious IBB Golf and Country club Abuja.
The tournament which is to usher in the first set of female professional golfers in Nigeria is attracting some of the best players from West African countries like Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Ghana.
Mbuko who doubles as the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the LPGA said the field is divided into professionals, category 1 and 2 as well as invited guests category.
She explained at the preevent briefing held at the Conference room of the Club that while professionals and category 1 and 2 amateurs will play over 72 holes, the guests players would compete in 36 holes on Saturday and Sunday.
Mbuko said although the projection was for at least 50 professional golfers from other African countries to compete in the inaugural edition, many could not make it to Abuja due to other tournaments that are taking place at the same time.
She, however, said over 15 professional players have so far registered for the maiden tournament which she said is “targeted as galvanizing support for the female professional golfers in Nigeria and West Africa and also inspire amateur female golfers to aim for the top”.
Mbuko also said the highlight of the event which comes to a climax on Sunday would be the presentation of the Green Jackets by the President of African Golf Tour, to new batch of female professional golfers as well as tour cards.
Interestingly, two of Nigeria’s most promising female golfers, Georgia Oboh and Diana Osmond are featuring as invited amateur players.