David Gabriel has emerged champion of the second edition of the West Africa Masters Golf Tournament, also known as the Rowland Adewumi Cup, after delivering an impressive performance at TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club in Abuja.
Gabriel returned a gross score of 68 to finish ahead of 71 other professional golfers and secure the tournament's top prize of ₦2.5 million.
The competition was organised by the West Africa Masters Golf Foundation, custodians of the Rowland Adewumi Cup, and powered by Kabom Golf Developers. It featured 72 professional golfers and a total prize purse of ₦13 million.
The latest edition followed the inaugural tournament held at IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, in 2024.
Gabriel expressed delight at winning the championship, describing the achievement as particularly special because of the quality of players who participated.
"I am very happy to win this great event, especially with so many accomplished professionals competing. It is a privilege to emerge champion among such talented golfers," he said.
The champion also recalled participating in the inaugural edition, where he failed to achieve his desired result. He thanked the organisers for sustaining the competition and providing professional golfers with opportunities to improve their skills and earn income.
Emmanuel Odoh finished second after returning a gross score of 69, while Azu Ijeoma also recorded 69 to secure third position.
In the women's category, Tina Micah emerged champion with a gross score of 76. Stephanie Dafor finished second with 77.
Micah described her victory as an encouraging achievement and expressed confidence that the experience would motivate her to improve further.
She also highlighted the importance of competitions like the West Africa Masters in providing female golfers with opportunities to test their abilities, gain experience and develop their performances.
Speaking after the tournament, Chairman of the FCT Golf Association and event organiser, Akabom Enebong, said the championship was established to promote professional golf and create more competitive opportunities for Nigerian players.
Enebong expressed satisfaction with the participation of 72 golfers, describing it as an encouraging development towards establishing a sustainable professional golf competition in Nigeria.
He explained that the organisers hoped to develop a tournament model comparable to professional golf competitions in Europe and other parts of the world.
According to him, sports investment offers significant opportunities for employment, income generation and national development. He therefore encouraged more Nigerians to invest in the sector.
The organiser also disclosed that the tournament's initial prize purse of ₦12 million increased to ₦13 million following additional financial support from Dame Julie Donli on the day of the competition.
He thanked the military authorities for providing facilities and acknowledged the sponsors, organising committee and other stakeholders for their contributions.
The ceremonial tee-off attracted several dignitaries, including Major-General Samson Jiya, represented by XL Dangaji, FCT Head of Service Nancy Nathan, Dame Julie Donli and tournament sponsor Otunba Rowland Adewumi.
The unveiling of the blue jacket also added significance to the championship. The jacket has become the tournament's distinctive symbol and is presented to the winner of the Rowland Adewumi Cup.
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