Nigeria’s leading golfer, Francis Epe, achieved a remarkable feat by shooting an impressive twelve under par 60 to establish a new course record during the inaugural tournament at the Acropolis Gardens and Residence Golf Course in Okija, Anambra State, over the weekend.

The event attracted top professional and amateur golfers from across the country, with a total of 86 participants vying for victory on the expansive nine-hole facility spanning 42 hectares.

Epe’s outstanding performance set him four shots clear of Gift Willy from Python Golf Club, who secured the runner-up position in the professional category with a score of eight under par 64.

Chukwudi Okoro from Benin Golf Club clinched third place with a score of 67.

In the ladies’ category, Nkechi Nwaokolo, with a gross score of 112, emerged victorious with a net score of 76, edging out Rita Izojie by two strokes, who finished with a net score of 78. Nkechi Musa-Tolani secured the third position with a net score of 79 after 18 holes of play.

“The course is well laid out and played to my strengths. I just told myself that I was going to avoid all the sand traps and water hazards, and I also chipped in twice in the round. In all, I had 12 birdies and six pars. It was a bogey-free round,” Epe said after the win.

Azudialu-Obiejesi, the promoter of the venue, expressed delight at the high-caliber individuals who attended the inaugural event and the considerable distances traveled by some to participate.

“Acropolis Gardens and Residence Golf Course is now open, and we have a befitting world-class 155-room capacity at the Acropolis Gardens and Residence Golf Course to cater for their accommodation while they are here. We are planning to hold a series of events at least once a quarter that would involve the professionals going forward,” he said.

The Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria, through its director, Tony Philmoore, also praised the exceptional quality evident in every aspect of the facility’s construction.

“I dare say that this facility is one of the best in the country. As the director of the PGA in Nigeria, I am very proud that the promoters of this project did not hold anything back in making sure they gave a world-class infrastructure.

“I and the present PGA executives will be working with this team to make sure they realise their goal,” Philmoore remarked.