Retired Brigadier General Oscar Iyare proved his class on the fairways of the Benin Club Golf Section (BCGS) as he emerged overall champion of the Dr. Jackson Gaius Obaseki @ 80th Birthday Golf Tournament, concluded recently in Benin City, Edo State. Playing off handicap 12, Iyare carded an impressive 68 net to outshine a strong field of competitors and secure the coveted title.

The commemorative tournament, organised by the BCGS Management Committee alongside notable club members to celebrate Dr. Obaseki’s 80th birthday, attracted over 200 participants including amateurs, professionals, and caddies. Players navigated the club’s beautiful yet demanding 18-hole course in a spirited display of sportsmanship.

In the men’s gross category, single handicapper Osazee Iyare continued the family’s winning streak with a 79 gross to claim the best gross title. On the ladies’ side, former Vice President of LGAN South-South Zone, Sandra Emina, dominated with 88 gross.

The men’s (handicap) trophy went to Joseph Kayoma (hcp 17), who posted 74 net to edge out Felix Aganmwonyi (hcp 14) on countback. Dr. Matthew Oriakhi (hcp 13) and Vice Captain Victor Oriasotie, Esq. (hcp 6) both finished with 75 net, with Oriakhi taking third place on countback.

In the ladies’ handicap 0–28 category, it was a contest of the 20-handicappers as Dorothy Chukwudi, Esq. (hcp 28) emerged winner with 67 net. Lady Vice Captain Joy Omorogiuwa (hcp 21) returned 76 net to finish second, beating Edith Edeki (hcp 21) on countback.

The professionals produced a thrilling contest with Colins Okoro firing a superb 67 gross to top the leaderboard. Chukwudi Okoro followed with 72 gross, while Osas Enaigbe (UBTH) placed third with 73 gross.

Other category winners included:Dr. Mojeed Momoh (hcp 19) – 68 net (Men’s hcp 19–28), Paula Oghumah (hcp 36) – 70 net (Ladies hcp 29–36), Alhaji Oseni Ahmed – 71 net (Veteran Men), Robert Uwamagbe – 80 net (Super Veteran Men), Dr. Marian Benka-Coker – 70 net (Veteran Ladies), Prof. Josephine Mokwunyei – 76 net (Super Veteran Ladies).

Guest categories saw G. Omonohio clinch the men’s trophy with 71 net, Ikay Afe win Special Guest Men with 79 net, and Juliet Udah take the Guest Ladies prize with 82 net.

The fun-filled side events produced their own champions: Longest Drive, Hole 1 (Friday): Lucky Osarenkhoe and Juliet Ogbeifun, Nearest the Pin, Hole 2 (Friday): Elder Monday Ikhureigbe.

Longest Drive, Holes 18 & 10 (Saturday): Suwadeetu Mahmud (former Lady Captain) and Victor Oriasotie, Nearest the Pin, Hole 14 (Saturday): Sandra Emina and G. Omonohio

The evening’s dinner party was marked by heartfelt tributes to the celebrant, Dr. Jackson Gaius Obaseki, who attended in the company of his wife, children, grandchildren, family members, and friends. 

The event concluded with the presentation of trophies, awards, golf bags, and other prizes to outstanding performers across the categories.

The tournament not only celebrated a milestone birthday but also showcased the growing vibrancy and competitive spirit of the Benin golfing community.