Justina Gideon has emerged overall winner of the 2026 Kaduna Golf Club Ladies Championship after returning an impressive 65 nett to claim the title in Kaduna.

Gideon, playing off a handicap of nine, recorded a gross score of 84 to finish top of the standings in the competition, which attracted more than 180 golfers from across Nigeria. Blueprint reports

The tournament featured competitive outings across several categories, with participants showcasing their skills, experience and sportsmanship on the course.

The runner-up in the main category returned 77 nett and 105 gross off a handicap of 28, while the Best Gross prize went to a player who recorded 98 gross and 84 nett.

‘Golf is life’ – Champion

Speaking after her victory, Gideon, who has played golf for 18 years, attributed her consistency to her passion for the sport and the discipline it demands.

“I have been in this game for 18 years. I have played with so many ladies. What keeps me consistent is the advantage the game gives and I have zeal for it. Golf is life. It helps you to understand human attitude, because without integrity one cannot play the game of golf,” she said.

The champion acknowledged that golf can be demanding, particularly because of the financial commitments required to participate in the sport.

She explained that equipment, clothing, shoes and caddie services add to the cost of playing, making the game appear inaccessible to many people.

“My challenge is when I try to put in effort and sometimes I decline. Yes, golf is a big man’s game. Everything about the game is expensive, from the clothes to the shoes and caddie. That’s why people outside see it as expensive and unique in nature. But with persistence and resilience, one can afford to play it,” Gideon added.

Gideon encourages young girls to embrace golf

Gideon urged young girls to take up the sport, describing it as a source of enjoyment, personal development and valuable networking opportunities.

According to her, golf offers players the opportunity to interact with influential people, business owners and other stakeholders, potentially opening doors to employment and career advancement.

“My advice to the young ones is they should put in effort in golf because golf is life and fun. With connections you can reach where you’ve always prayed for. With the game of golf you have the opportunity of meeting like-minded people, stakeholders, company owners, which is another avenue for job opportunities, connection to a bigger and higher place you least expected,” she said.

Her remarks highlighted the opportunities golf can provide beyond competition, particularly for young people seeking personal growth and professional connections.

Other winners emerge in special categories

The championship also recognised outstanding performances in the longest-drive, nearest-to-the-pin and veterans categories.

Silas Sale of Kaduna Golf Club won the men’s Longest Drive prize on Hole 18, while Comfort Adakole of GEJ Golf Club claimed the women’s award in the same category.

Shehu Danjuma won the men’s Nearest to the Pin contest on Hole 17, while no winner was recorded in the ladies’ category.

In the Super Veterans category, played over nine holes, George Odoh emerged winner with 37 nett.

Talatu Ebure claimed the Best Nett prize in the Ladies Veterans category with 78 nett, while G. Yanet Ordi finished runner-up with 80 nett.

In the men’s Veterans category, played over 18 holes, Bawa Umar won Best Gross, while Stephen Elisha emerged Best Nett winner. Ibrahim Yabuwat finished runner-up in the Nett category with 68 nett.

Golf club captain commends participants

The Kaduna Golf Club Captain commended the participants for displaying integrity and sportsmanship throughout the competition, describing these values as fundamental to the game.

The championship brought together golfers of different ages and experience levels, providing an opportunity to celebrate achievement, strengthen relationships among clubs and promote participation in the sport.

Gideon’s victory capped a successful outing for the champion, whose 18 years of experience and passion for golf were reflected in her performance.

Her call on young girls to embrace the game also underscored the importance of widening participation and making golf more accessible to emerging players.