The IBB International Golf and Country Club is gearing up to host the highly anticipated Lady Captain’s Cup 2025, a prestigious tournament that promises a thrilling display of golfing prowess and camaraderie. Scheduled for April 2nd to 6th in Abuja, the event will see over 350 golfers, comprising high-net-worth individuals, business leaders, dedicated golf enthusiasts, and community supporters, converge for a week of friendly competition and networking. The tournament serves as a grand celebration of the achievements of the Ladies Golf Section under the astute leadership of Lady Captain, Dame Julie Donli, whose tenure has been marked by significant strides in fostering the growth and development of women’s golf.
Dame Julie Donli’s captaincy, themed “Ladies Supporting Ladies,” has been a resounding success, marked by an array of impactful initiatives that have elevated the profile of women’s golf within the club and beyond. She has spearheaded a remarkable increase in participation in the weekly Thursday Kitty, witnessing a surge from a modest 28 players to over 190, a testament to the growing enthusiasm for the sport among women. Beyond the increased participation, Donli’s leadership has facilitated the hosting of major tournaments, including the 26th IBB Ladies Amateur Golf Open Championship and the 25th IBB Ladies Close Championship, providing platforms for female golfers to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. Furthermore, her focus on nurturing young talent has led to the expansion of the Junior Open Championship, resulting in two promising Nigerian golfers earning coveted World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR).
The Lady Captain’s Cup not only represents a sporting spectacle but also a celebration of the collective efforts and accomplishments of the Ladies Golf Section throughout the year. Dame Julie Donli has expressed immense pride in leading a group of exceptional women dedicated to advancing the sport and contributing to the well-being of the community. Their combined efforts have resulted in a vibrant and impactful year for the club, marked by substantial progress in various areas. The tournament offers a unique opportunity to recognize and appreciate the contributions of golfers, corporate and individual sponsors, and all those who have played a role in the success of the Ladies Golf Section. It serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared passion for the sport, fostering an environment of mutual support and encouragement.
The Lady Captain’s tenure has been characterized by a strong emphasis on infrastructure development and financial sustainability. Among the notable achievements is the completion of a four-unit toilet and storage facility at the Driving Range, significantly enhancing the club’s amenities and providing a more comfortable experience for members. Furthermore, Donli has actively pursued sponsorship opportunities and implemented strategies to strengthen the financial standing of the Ladies Golf Section, ensuring its long-term viability and ability to continue supporting its various programs and initiatives. Her commitment to national and international engagements has further broadened the reach and impact of the section, fostering connections and collaborations with other golfing communities.
Beyond the sporting arena, the Lady Captain’s Cup also serves as a platform for networking and social interaction, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and fostering a sense of community. The event provides an opportunity for participants to engage with one another, share experiences, and build relationships that extend beyond the golf course. This social aspect of the tournament is crucial, reinforcing the sense of camaraderie and mutual support that is integral to the spirit of the Ladies Golf Section. The event is anticipated to be a resounding success, leaving a lasting legacy that inspires future generations of female golfers.
In her concluding remarks, Dame Julie Donli expressed her sincere gratitude to the sponsors, partners, and everyone who has contributed to the remarkable successes achieved by the Ladies Golf Section during her tenure. Their unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in driving the growth and development of women’s golf, creating a vibrant and thriving community within the IBB International Golf and Country Club. As the Lady Captain’s Cup approaches, anticipation builds for a spectacular event that will celebrate the achievements of the past year and pave the way for an even brighter future for women’s golf.
