The Catholic Golfers Association of Nigeria will stage the second Marian Classic Tournament at Lakowe Golf and Country Estate in Lagos on Friday, October 23, with the event set to pay tribute to the late Rev. Fr. Anthony Mario Ozele.
Key takeaways
- The second Marian Classic is open to golfers from across Nigeria.
- Part of the event’s donations and revenue will support the publication and distribution of Fr. Ozele’s evangelisation materials.
- The competition will use a stroke-play system and begin with a shotgun start.
- Men, women, priests and veteran golfers will compete in separate categories.
- Special awards will be presented for Longest Drive, Nearest to the Pin and Overall Gross.
Tournament to honour late priest
Sir Emmanuel Okene, chairman of the organising committee, said this year’s edition will mark the first time the tournament has been dedicated to a deceased priest. The honouree, Fr. Ozele, served in the Catholic Diocese of Warri.
Okene said the tournament would bring the Catholic golfing community together in remembrance of a priest it deeply misses. He added that a share of donations and proceeds generated by the competition would be channelled into continuing Fr. Ozele’s ministry, particularly the production and circulation of the evangelisation publications he promoted during his life.
Players are expected from around the country, while business figures from different parts of the economy are also anticipated at the Lagos event.
Format, prizes and the association’s mission
Mrs. Fatumata Soukonou-Coker, the competition committee chairwoman, said the Marian Classic will be contested under stroke-play rules. The field will start simultaneously from different holes in a shotgun format, designed to provide an organised, enjoyable and inclusive day for golfers at every level.
The programme includes divisions for male players, female players, priests and veterans. In addition to category prizes, competitors will have the opportunity to win awards for the longest drive, closest shot to the pin and best overall gross score.
The Catholic Golfers Association of Nigeria is regarded as the first golf association in the world exclusively formed for Catholics. Created principally for Catholic players, it uses the sport to encourage evangelisation, fellowship, participation and spiritual development.
Its membership extends to Catholic lay people, priests and religious members, underlining its aim of bringing together people united by their faith and enthusiasm for golf.
Through the Marian Classic, the association says it is continuing to show that golf can be used to advance evangelisation, strengthen fraternity and support charitable causes, while preserving the memory of a priest whose ministry focused on sharing the Gospel.
