By Solomon Nwoke

DSP Shuaibu Mohammed  Sulaiman of Kano Golf Club, Lasisi Lateef of Abeokuta Golf Club and Grace Yusuf of Ado-Ekiti Golf Club have emerged winners of the 13th edition of Elizabeth Wuraola Ade-Ojo Memorial Golf tournament which ended last Saturday at the Smokin Hills Golf Resort in Ilara Mokin, Ondo state.

Sulaiman playing handicap 9 produced a stunning net point of 68 to claim his first victory at the tourney in the Amatuer category. The first and second runners- up Adebayo Dapo and Lee Gibson posted a net of 73 and 74 respectively.

Last year’s runner- up in the professional cadre, Lateef posted a gross of 78 to clinch his victory as against his 75 gross in the last edition.

The pair of Nogim Sofela of Miccom Golf Club and Bakare Basiru of Lakowe Golf Club, Lagos placed second and third with a respective gross of 79 and 81.

•Smokin Hills Golf Resort players

In the Ladies event, the reigning champion, Yusuf held firm to her title as she grossed 71 as against her 33 of last edition. She was closely followed by Asuni Maria who posted a net gross of 73 for the second position while Dupe John placed third with a net gross of 78 on count back.

Reacting to his feat at the tourney, an overwhelmed Sualiman was grateful to God for giving him the victory this year.

“Last year I was here but didn’t win anything even as I put in my best because this golf course is a very difficult one. However, this time around, I told   my people that no matter how difficult the course is, that I am going to win this year having learnt from my mistakes. So I put in extra effort and that was what saw me through.

When I started from hole five and played about four birdies   and five overs gross, I don’t   think anybody played that my shoreline and that gave me the confidence that I was going to win”, he said.

On his part, Lateef said, “ I thank God for giving me the tournament this year. I came here to prepare for Nigeria Masters Golf tournament taking place in Abuja next week and I hope to play well too. “I was a runner-up last year to Okoromi who’s also my colleague and my boy. Last year was his turn and this year is mine and so I have taken my chance after training hard for it.