9th February, 2019
Nigeria’s Rachael Danjuma, compatriot Amina Wilfred and Eva Mangala of Uganda were the best three players at the end of Day One of the 21st IBB Ladies Golf Championship in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 2017 IBB Ladies Open Golf champion Rachael Danjuma was the best gross player of the day after returning a gross of 81.
She was closely followed by Uganda’s Magala who returned a gross of 82.
Magala is the defending champion of the Nigeria Ladies Open, which she won at the Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort in Uyo in November 2018.
She also doubles as the Lady President of the Uganda Ladies Golf Union.
2015 IBB Ladies Open Amateur Golf champion Wilfred returned a gross of 84 to finish third.
Danjuma later told NAN after Day One proceedings on Friday that she was impressed with the turn of events.
“The course was quite difficult and challenging today, but I am glad I finished top of the bunch at the end.
“I’m delighted that I managed to execute my long drives perfectly.
“I had to ensure that I gave a good account of myself on the first day. This will give me a good psychological boost to reclaim my title which I lost last year,” she said.
Danjuma lost her title to Tanzania’s top female golfer Angel Eaton in 2018 after amassing a total of 228 gross total strokes in the 54-hole tournament.
“My immediate goal now is to pace myself and take it one step at a time to ensure that I make the cut tomorrow (Saturday),” Danjuma added.
No fewer than 160 amateur lady golfers from seven countries, namely Sweden, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Botswana, Ghana and host Nigeria, are battling it out for top honours at the championship.
The three-day gross tournament which teed off at the IBB International Golf and Country Club on Friday will see 45 lady golfers make the cut on Saturday.
The best 45 will then proceed to Sunday’s final.