As excitement builds for the maiden edition of the GolfGrace Alumni Golf Tournament slated for May 10 at the Sadiq Abubakar Golf Club, Shasha, Lagos, fierce rivalry is already brewing between top contenders — especially among the lady captains.
The event, organised by Agboola Kolawole, has drawn interest from golfers across the country, but it’s the brewing battle between Lady Captain Bella Smith and her vice, Ifeyinwa Ozioko, that has captured attention.
Bella Smith, the current Lady Captain of the host club, did not mince words when declaring her intentions.
“I’m very prepared and I can tell you, I’m going to win the tournament. The other players know already,” she said with confidence. “We are always at war because we are winners. She’s a good player, but I’m better.”
According to The PUNCH, Smith, who discovered her passion for golf in 2021 after visiting the course with a friend, said her preparation for the tournament has been intense.
“We’ve been going to the range more and more and keeping our minds ready. Golf is a game of skills and luck, so we can’t determine who is going to win, but it’s going to be a fun and interesting tournament—and hopefully, I will win it. I’ve trained hard for it.”
Not to be outdone, Ifeyinwa Ozioko, the club’s Lady Vice Captain and Smith’s direct challenger, says she’s equally motivated—especially because of her personal connection to the tournament founder.
“I’m very eager to play in the competition and I’m looking forward to it because the founder is my coach and he taught me everything I know about golf today. I hope I win,” she said.
Despite acknowledging a limited training schedule, Ozioko remains optimistic. “Golf is a leveler. You might think you’re in shape, and then it’s just not your day. So I’m hopefully going to give my best on the day.”
With such passion and rivalry fueling the atmosphere, the GolfGrace Alumni Golf Tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of skill, camaraderie, and competitive fire.
At least 100 players are expected to compete for honours at the inaugural tournament.
