Raffoul, Unaeze, Fingesi Shine at Rivers @50 Golf Tournament

By Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The maxim that â€˜many are called but few are chosenâ€™ was redefined at the recently conducted Rivers @50 Golf Tournament at Port Harcourt Club1928 Golf Section.

Such was the size of the field that 108 players turned up against the projection of the organisers, who anticipated only a guest list of 80 golfers for the shot gun fanfare.

At the end of the 18-hole tournament, the name that echoed like a decimal on everybodyâ€™s lips was Nain Raffoul, who emerged the winner of the men Best Nett prize.

Raffoul, a nine-handicapper, helped himself to a 68 nett to carry the day by a slim margin of one shot ahead of Elie Anthony.

Victor Ogolodom, who plays off 7-handicap, was restricted to the second runner up net position behind Anthony on the count-back rule after both competitors carded 69.

Similarly, the count-back rule was applied to determine the winner of the Lady Best Nett prize.

It benefitted Mrs Kate Unaeze, who stunned Princess Joyce Nule at the award night, though they both finished in a two-way tie for 72 nett.

U. Happiness finished three strokes off the pace to settle for the 2^ndÂ runner up position.

Former Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command and a one-time Captain of Ikoyi Club 1938, Admiral O.P Fingesi (retired), shot 71 nett to win the Super Veteran category prize.

Aja O. Aja retraced Fingesiâ€™s steps to secure the Veteran Prize with 70 nett, edging Sir Ken Nwogbo by one shot.

Although Lucky Emmanuel posted 75 to win the Best Gross prize, the tournamentâ€™s best round of -3 under par 67 was signed by Michael Ubi in the professional competition.

Ubi beat Ibrahim Ocheje by two-shot, while Musa Maniru shot +2 over par 72 for the second runner up position.

The ancillary prize of longest drive men went to former Lagos Open Champion, Samuel U. Amadi, while Mrs Desire Leghemo won the ladies version.

The first Governor of Rivers State, Amanyanabo Twon-Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, was honoured with Icon of Golf Award, while members of the club gave Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the Golden Award.