Adebola, Gen. Amolegbe (rtd), others, shine at 2024 Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup

Posted : 02 November 2024

After a thrilling day of competition, Adeboye Adeboya emerged victorious at the 2024 Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup, claiming the prestigious title on Friday.

The tournament, held at the historic Ikoyi 1938 Golf Club, drew enthusiastic participants and featured outstanding performances, particularly from Adeboya, who delivered an impressive 44 points.

Organized as a single-day event, the tournament attracted a remarkable turnout, including the executives of Turkish Airlines, who served as sole sponsors.

The event highlighted Turkish Airlines' ongoing commitment to supporting golf and fostering talent, bringing together both experienced players and emerging competitors in a celebration of skill and sportsmanship.

The tournament’s format made for an exciting day, with every player showcasing their best to claim the title.

After a fierce competition, Adeboya’s performance stood out as he secured the championship with his 44 points.

Competing against top contenders, Adeboya demonstrated resilience and skill, steadily navigating through each hole.

His victory has placed him in the spotlight as a notable figure in the golfing community, further enhanced by the unique charm of the Ikoyi golf course.

The course, established in 1938, provided a challenging backdrop for the competition, adding to the prestige of Adeboya’s accomplishment.

Other impressive performances were seen throughout the day, particularly from Major General Musibau Amolegbe (rtd), who secured second place.

Not only did he finish as the runner-up, but Amolegbe also earned the “Nearest to the Pin” award on hole 7 in the men’s category, showcasing his precision and skill.

His success highlights the competitive spirit and camaraderie among the players.

Amolegbe’s double achievement in the tournament has further cemented his reputation in the golfing community, and he expressed deep satisfaction with his performance, proud to compete alongside such skilled players.

In third place was Daisi Olotu in the men’s category, who, like Amolegbe, exhibited remarkable talent and strategy throughout the tournament.

His well-earned spot on the leaderboard demonstrated his commitment to the game, especially as he competed alongside some of the finest golfers in the region.

Meanwhile, in the women’s category, Ihuoma Onyearugha took the “Nearest to the Pin” award, underscoring the depth of skill among the female players and their significant presence in the tournament.

Both Olotu and Onyearugha’s performances reinforced the broad talent pool within Nigerian golf, a promising sign for the sport’s growth and the upcoming competitions they may participate in.

In his speech, a representative from Turkish Airlines praised the success of the event and its participants, expressing the airline’s enthusiasm for supporting the tournament, which has been growing in prominence in recent years.

With 67 countries now participating, the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup has become a significant fixture on the golfing calendar, offering players the chance to represent their countries at an international level.

Turkish Airlines’ dedication to fostering global connections through sports was clearly demonstrated through this tournament, with executives sharing that they look forward to seeing the competition continue to thrive in Nigeria and beyond.

In an exclusive interview with Africa Sport Network (ASN), champion Adeboya reflected on his journey to victory, expressing his excitement over his first-ever win in golf.

He revealed that his journey in sports began in football, but with age, he shifted his focus to golf, a sport that has now brought him his first trophy.

"This is my first trophy in golf or any competitive sport. I am thrilled to win the 2024 Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup while playing as a handicap player.

"I was on a 23 handicap before I moved down to 24. Returning to my former level will require a lot of work and practice.

"Now that I will play on the international stage, I need to practice more.

"I am not new to sports, as I once played football before retiring due to age. My journey in golf was also not smooth—I took a break after a year and only returned two years later.

"I didn’t set out to win the tournament, but my confidence grew after the fourth hole. I put in more effort and eventually won.

"I have had opportunities to play golf outside Nigeria, but the atmosphere in Nigeria is unique and great.

"Golf in Nigeria needs more sponsorship and more competitions to gain the exposure it deserves.

"I started playing golf for fun and still play it for fun, but I won because I’m competitive," he said.

General Amolegbe, who won the "Nearest to the Pin" award, also shared his perspective on golf, a sport he believes is rooted in honesty and personal integrity.

According to Amolegbe, golf requires both discipline and respect, as cheating is simply not tolerated.

He expressed pride in his performance, especially given the high level of competition he faced.

Amolegbe took the opportunity to commend the organizers for their efforts in creating such a memorable event, noting that it is events like these that inspire both experienced and aspiring golfers to continue honing their skills.

He hopes the tournament will grow even further, attracting more participants and strengthening the golf community in Nigeria.

"I feel so good winning today. I am used to winning trophies, so I put in a lot of effort, especially when competing against those with higher handicaps.

"Golf is a game of integrity—it does not tolerate dishonesty. If you want to test a man’s character, let him play golf; his reliability will show.

"I want to commend the organizers for providing us with such a great competition," he said.

The winner of the tournament, Adeboya, is set to travel to Türkiye for the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup finals, with all expenses covered. Competing in Türkiye will allow him showcase Nigerian talent on a broader stage, connecting with fellow golfers from around the world.

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Adebola, Gen. Amolegbe (rtd), others, shine at 2024 Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup

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