Emeka Okatta, President, West Africa Golf Tour (WAGT) on Saturday in Abuja said the body was set to host the Championship from December 16 – 18 in Owerri.
Okatta, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview in Abuja, said the championship was the tour’s finale for the year.
“The leading 30 players of the Order of Merit of the West Africa Golf Tour (WAGT) will play the season ending Championship from Dec. 16 to 18 at Arsenal Golf Club, Obinze, Owerri, Imo State.
“This is the last tournament of the 2016 season and the first ever Championship of the Tour where the top professional golfer will be crowned the region’s best player.
“Over the span of all events staged by the WAGT since it was launched in February, its players have been earning points based on the result in each of the five tournaments staged at different locations around Nigeria.
“Each of the 109 members of the Tour has earned a position on the ranking system, the Order of Merit,” he said.
He said that the Tour had been working closely with the management of Arsenal over the last months to improve the conditions of the golf course and to stage the Championship.
He explained that the golf course was chosen to host the Tour Championship because of its serene and lush green environment as well as its strategic location in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria.
“I think we have a fair deal with the management of Arsenal coupled with the fact that the city has its own Airport and Asaba, Enugu and Port Harcourt Airports are also within reach.
“It will be the first time Owerri hosts the WAGT, taking the number of venues to four together with IBB International Golf and Country Club, Smokin Hills Golf Resort and Port Harcourt Golf Club,” he said.
NAN reports that the 30 professionals are expected to tee off on Dec. 16 and play three rounds over 54 holes in a stroke play format, while the amateur tournament will be held from Dec. 17 -18. (NAN)