Dr Tobi Oluwatola, CEO of TAO Energy, has emerged as the overall best net winner of the 2025 African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) Golf tournament in Abuja.
This was after Oluwatola played off handicap 19, and returned a total of 86 gross and 67 net.
The event which was the fourth in the series was hosted at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja, with no fewer than 250 golfers taking part.
An elated Oluwatola told journalists that the victory was special to him because it was his first ever win after several attempts.
“It was a hard-fought battle. I am very elated, obviously, because I have been working very hard for this.
“I have been playing for four years. It’s a game I love a lot and am very passionate about.
“I have had alot of second place finishes in this tournament, but this is the first time I am finishing as the overall winner, so this cup holds a special place in my heart,” he said.
The energy entrepreneur noted that though he had a great start, he encountered some difficulties towards the end of the course, which almost ruined his game.
“I knew from the start that I was playing a decent game because I was putting the balls very well and playing a lot of pars.
“But then, towards the end, I started getting nervous, and on hole 17, I hit my tee-shot on a par 3 into the bush, and I thought that was the end of the tournament for me.
“But I went into the bush and tipped it out, even though it didn’t quite get on the green.
“However, from outside the fringe, I was able to chip it into the hole, and at that point, I knew that the forces were behind me, and I was going to win.
“I played par on the last hole, and the rest was history,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the organizers for putting together a wonderful tournament in the serene and lush green course of the TYB International Golf Club, adding that he was already looking forward to to a tougher challenge ahead in next year’s edition.
Meanwhile, Oluwatola was closely followed by Charles Ona of TYB Golf Club, who returned 96 gross and 72 net after playing off handicap 24 to finish as runner-up net.
Aliyu Ambursa settled for the second runner-up position after he played off handicap 15, and returned 92 gross and 77 net in the men’s category.
Victor Garba emerged the best gross winner in the men’s category after he returned a total gross score of 84, while Salisu Ali finished as runner-up with 85 gross.
In the Ladies category, Maureen Apute, the Lady Captain of TYBIGRCC playing off handicap 18, emerged best net winner after returning 87 gross and 69 net.
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