Felix Utaji and Nkeiruka Awiaka emerged champions at the Ignatius Aigbokhaode @ 60 Pro-Am Golf Tournament, which concluded at Benin Club Golf Section in Benin City after four days of competitive play and celebration.
Utaji, playing off handicap 11, shot a net 71 to claim the men's handicap 0-12 category. Awiaka, a past Lady Captain with handicap 17, carded a net 70 to win the ladies handicap 0-28 division. The tournament drew professional golfers, amateurs, business executives, and friends of the celebrant in an event marked by intense competition and genuine fellowship.
Ehis Igbinadolor won the best gross score honours while Osazee Iyare captured the longest drive award. Dr. Bola Atua, a past captain, shot 75 net to win the special category. Guest prizes went to Destiny Okoh in the ladies section and A. Aburime among the men.
In the professionals challenge, John Ochei delivered the strongest performance with a gross score of 72. Chukwudi Okoro finished second with 73 gross, while Peter Adikpe and Collins Odile shared third place, both carding 74 gross.
The closing ceremony blended formality with genuine warmth. Trophies went to category winners, dignitaries offered congratulatory remarks, the celebrant cut his 60th birthday cake, and the evening finished with a gala reception. Aigbokhaode thanked God for reaching his milestone in good health and praised sponsors, participants, and the Local Organizing Committee chaired by Hon. Andrew Momodu for honouring him with a tournament that embodied friendship, excellence, and healthy living.
Momodu said the event succeeded because all stakeholders played their part. He described it as a fitting tribute to a man who has contributed greatly to golf and to society at large. The tournament reinforced golf's ability to unite people across different generations and professions, Momodu added, making the celebration about more than one man's birthday but about the sport's enduring power to build community.
