Veteran golfer, Gen. Adedayo Adesokan, on Saturday, won the 2024 edition of Ikeja Golf Club’s Veterans Cup, held at the Ikeja Golf Club course, Lagos. A total of 120 golfers; 90 veterans aged 65 and above, and 30 guest golfers, participated in the competition, sponsored by ADL Solutions.
Adesokan, playing of 21 handicap, played an impressive 87 gross, 66 net, to top the competition chart. Dr. Ogunbiyi Ogunbanjo, finished second with 91 gross, 68 net and also won the prize for competition’s longest drive. Mr. Audu Asekome, returned a score of 117 gross, 68 net, to secure third position, while Mrs. Oby Olayemi, scored 74 net to emerge winner in the women’s category.
Mr. Wale Ayanbadejo won the male guest category with a score of 83 gross, 68 net, followed by Mr. Yomi Egbe who scored 79 gross, 68 net. Third in the category was Mr. Kehinde Afolayan, with a score of 87 gross, 68 net. Mrs. Chichi Alamu won the female guest category scoring 85 gross, 70 net.
Addressing golfers at the presentation ceremony, Ikeja Golf Club Captain, Mr Sina Akinyemi, said he was delighted to see the love and enthusiasm displayed by veteran golfers during the tournament. “Seeing the veterans play with such enthusiasm gives me joy. It is not easy to be this active at age 65 and above. I really appreciate God for renewing their strength daily. I want to also use this opportunity to remind us of the need for new range poles and nets for the Golf course. I plead with every member to have this project in mind, and for those who have pledged to support in one way or the other, to please, redeem their pledge,” he said.
Chairman of the Golfing Elders, Engineer Ayo Lawal, commended ADL Solutions for sponsoring the competition. “On behalf of the veterans and Ikeja Golf Club, we express our gratitude to ADL Solutions for sponsoring this competition every year. We appreciate that you have continued to invest money and resources in the Veterans Cup. I also appreciate all the golfers who participated in this competition. Thanks for contributing to the success of this edition. I urge you all to continue to be sporty and take good care of your health,” he said.
The competition runner-up and longest drive winner, Dr. Ogunbanjo, called on young Nigerians to embrace the game of Golf. “it’s always nice to be a winner. I basically put in my best, and came second. The competition is a good initiative for the veterans because you never get old playing golf, and the older you get, the more you like the game. I used to say when I was younger, that golf is a game for old people. When I started, I told myself that I wish that I came into the game much younger. So I encourage the young and old to embrace the game of Golf,” Ogunbanjo said.