David Gabriel won the second edition of the West Africa Masters (The Rowland Adewumi Cup), posting a gross score of 68 at TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja.

The tournament was organised by the West Africa Masters Golf Foundation, custodians of the Rowland Adewumi Cup, and powered by Kabom Golf Developers.

The competition, exclusively for professional golfers, attracted 72 players competing for a total prize money of N13 million.

The second edition followed the inaugural tournament held at IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, in 2024. The event also featured the unveiling of the blue jacket, which has become the symbol of the West Africa Masters Championship and is worn by the winner of the Rowland Adewumi Cup.

Mr Gabriel smiled home with the first prize of N2.5 million after overcoming a strong field of professional golfers drawn from Abuja and other parts of Nigeria. He said the tournament held special significance for him because he participated in the inaugural edition but did not perform as expected.

Emmanuel Odoh, younger brother of Oche Odoh, a former number one-ranked golfer in Nigeria, finished second with a gross score of 69.

Azu Ijeoma also returned a 69 to round out the top three.

In the ladies’ category, Tina Micah emerged winner with a gross score of 76, while Stephanie Dafor finished second with 77.

Ms Micah expressed happiness over her victory, describing it as an encouraging achievement that would motivate her to continue improving her game.

She said competitions of this nature were important because they provided golfers with opportunities to test their abilities, gain experience and improve their performances.

Akabom Enebong, chairman of the FCT Golf Association and organiser of the tournament, said the competition was designed to promote professional golf and create more opportunities for players.

Mr Enebong said the participation of 72 golfers demonstrated growing interest in the tournament and represented a significant step towards establishing a strong professional golf competition in Nigeria.

Mr Enebong said the initial prize purse of N12 million was increased to N13 million following additional support from Julie Donli on the tournament day. He explained that Ms Donli’s contribution was aimed at supporting professional female golfers who participated in the competition.

Mr Enebong said investment in sports, particularly at the grassroots, could generate employment, reduce unemployment and create opportunities for young people. He added that golf could promote unity by bringing together people from different backgrounds to compete and interact in a friendly atmosphere.

He said plans were underway to expand the competition in 2027 by attracting more international participants and incorporating the tournament into the professional golf calendar.

(NAN)