Justina Gideon has emerged as the overall winner of the 2026 Kaduna Golf Club Ladies Championship, held in Kaduna, Nigeria. She claimed the title with an impressive 65 nett, playing off a handicap of nine and recording a gross score of 84. The championship attracted over 180 golfers from across Nigeria, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship.
The tournament featured competitive outings across several categories, with participants vying for top honors. The runner-up in the main category returned 77 nett and 105 gross off a handicap of 28. The Best Gross prize went to a player who recorded 98 gross and 84 nett. Gideon's victory marked a significant achievement in her 18-year golfing career.
Speaking after her victory, Gideon attributed her consistency to her passion for the sport and the discipline it demands. She emphasized that golf has helped her understand human attitude and that integrity is essential to playing the game. Gideon also acknowledged the financial commitments required to participate in golf, citing equipment, clothing, and caddie services as major expenses.
Despite the challenges, Gideon encourages young girls to take up the sport, describing it as a source of enjoyment, personal development, and valuable networking opportunities. She believes that golf offers players the chance to interact with influential people, business owners, and other stakeholders, potentially opening doors to employment and career advancement.
The championship also recognized outstanding performances in special categories, including longest-drive, nearest-to-the-pin, and veterans. Silas Sale of Kaduna Golf Club won the men's Longest Drive prize, while Comfort Adakole of GEJ Golf Club claimed the women's award. Other winners included Shehu Danjuma, George Odoh, Talatu Ebure, and Bawa Umar.
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 and promote participation in the sport.
Gideon's victory and her call to young girls to embrace golf underscore the importance of widening participation and making the game more accessible to emerging players. Her 18 years of experience and passion for golf were reflected in her performance, capping a successful outing for the champion.
Key points
- Justina Gideon won the 2026 Kaduna Ladies Golf Championship with 65 nett.
- The championship attracted over 180 golfers from across Nigeria.
- Gideon encourages young girls to take up golf, citing its benefits for personal development and networking opportunities.
