Sunday Odegha has the sole lead on the first day of the 2019 NNPC GMD’s Cup at IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
The player from Minna Golf Club shot four under par 68 in scorching conditions to lead the field by three strokes.
Five birdies in both nines handed him the crucial momentum as the tournament, the first official event on the calendar of the PGAN, inches into the halfway on Tuesday.
Odegha arrived as the clubhouse leader, some hours after the Group General Manager, Frontiers Exploration Service Division, NNPC, Alhaji Abdullahi Bomai, performed the ceremonial tee off.
He sighted birdies on holes 3, 8, 11, 12 and 17 mixed with 12 pars on the day. He bogeyed hole 15.
Andrew Oche Odoh stayed in touch with one under par 71 while Vincent Ikemefuna of Ikoyi Club 1938 trailed for the third position with level par 72.
Martin Odoh, also from Minna Golf Club, stepped up the pressure in fourth place with one over par 73, while Ojo Alaba and M. Joseph tied for fifth with two over par 74.
“I was steadied by the two birdies that arrived on the front nine. The first one on number three actually defined my entire day. It is still a long way to go but I hope to concentrate on my game and take my chances as they come,”Odegha said.
Sixty-eight regular professionals and 20 senior tour players are gathered in Abuja for the historic season opener.
Bomai, performed the ceremonial tee off ceremony after receiving an improvised lesson from IBB Resident Pro, Raphael Ohai.
The NNPC GGM was joined by Mike Balami, the NNPC GGM Accounts, PGAN Director, Samson Lawal, and a member of IBB Lady Golf Section, Mrs. Mary-Rose Richard- Obioha.
He said the presence of Nigeria’s elite professional golfers had enhanced the overall profile of the NNPC GMD’s Cup as they will be playing alongside the amateur players.
“NNPC is committed to the development of the potentials of Nigerians in all spheres of life including sports, which we all know is a hobby that contributes to our wellbeing. We try to bring people of different shape together. The professionals have come together to play with the amateurs courtesy of our outfit. It is something that is quite good for this tournament and the sporting industry,” Bomai said.