Number 1 golfer sets record as Acropolis Golf Course holds inaugural tourney in Okija, Anambra

The Acropolis Golf Course, Okija in Anambra, has held its maiden tournament with no fewer than 82 professional and amateur golfers from across Nigeria participating.

Francis Epe, Nigeria’s reigning number one golfer from Ikoyi Country Club won the tournament with 12 under par, 60 to set the course record at the inaugural event.

Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, the promoter of the Acropolis Gardens and Residence Golf Course facility who tee-d off the game on Saturday said that the goal was to re-introduce Okija, his community, to the world.

Azudialu-Obiejesi said Okija meant different things to people but the idea of building the golf course was to change the narrative and make people have a positive impression when and wherever the community was mentioned.

He said he was fulfilled to see the class of people who showed up for the inaugural event, and how far some of them had to travel to feature at the event.

He said they were planning to hold a series of events at least once in a quarter that would involve the professionals.

“Acropolis Gardens and Residence Golf Course is now open and we have a befitting world-class 155 rooms capacity at the Acropolis Gardens and Residence Golf Course to cater for their accommodation while they are here.

“The Acropolis Golf Course is one of our many planned projects to make this happen.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Acropolis Golf Course is the first privately owned nine-hole course sitting on a 42-hectre with undulating topography in the heart of Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra.

Speaking on Sunday, Epe said it was his first visit to Okija and he was impressed with the Acropolis Golf Course which he described as well laid out and he had to play with his full strength.

“I just told myself that I was going to avoid all the sand traps and water hazards, and I also chipped in twice in the round. In all, I had 12 birdies and six pars. It was a bogey-free round,” he said.

The  Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria through its director,  Tony Philmoore, commended the facility and said it qualified for a grade A facility given the level of finesse that was put in at every level of the construction.

“I dare say that this facility is one of the best in the country, as the director of the PGA in Nigeria.

“I am very proud that the promoters of this project did not hold anything back in making sure they gave a world-class infrastructure. 

“I and the present PGA executives will be working with this team to make sure they realise their goal,” he said.

Gift Willy of Python Golf Club was the runner up with eight under par 64, while Benin Golf Club’s Chukwudi Okoro, placed third, shooting 67.

Nkechi Nwaokolo, a 36 handicapper won the lady’s category with a 112 gross score with her net of 76 to beat Rita Izojie with two strokes at 78 net to the second place.

Nkechi Musa-Tolani picked the third prize returning a 79 net score in 18 holes.