Golf
Tiger Woods declined $700-$800 million offer from LIV, says Greg Norman
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Tiger Woods, whose net worth was placed at north of US$1 billion (S$1.38 billion) by Forbes last month, recently turned down a chance to nearly double his bank account.
LIV Golf chief executive officer Greg Norman told Fox News’ Tucker Carlson that Woods declined an offer of between US$700 million and US$800 million to join the new Saudi-backed tour.
The interview, conducted last weekend during the LIV Golf event in Bedminster, N.J., aired on Monday night on Tucker Carlson Tonight.
“That number was out there before I became CEO,” Norman said of the dollar figure presented to Woods. “Look, Tiger is a needle-mover, right? So, of course you’re got to look at the best of the best. They had originally approached Tiger before I became CEO. That number is somewhere in that neighbourhood.”
Woods has maintained his allegiance to the United States-based PGA Tour over the new circuit.
Speaking at the Open Championship in Scotland last month, the American said: “The players who have chosen to go to LIV and to play there, I disagree with it. I think that what they’ve done is they’ve turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position. …
“You’re just getting paid a lot of money up front and playing a few events and playing 54 holes. They’re playing blaring music and have all these atmospheres that are different. … I just don’t see how that move is positive in the long term for a lot of these players, especially if the LIV organisation doesn’t get world ranking points and the Major championships change their criteria for entering the events.”
Woods also took a shot at Norman last month after the Australian was uninvited from festivities celebrating the 150th Open Championship.
“Greg has done some things that I don’t think is in the best interest of our game, and we’re coming back to probably the most historic and traditional place in our sport,” Woods said. “I believe it’s the right thing (to exclude him).”
Norman lashed out at the PGA Tour in his interview with Carlson.
“It’s a monopoly,” Norman said of the older circuit. “They just want to shut us down whatever way they can, so they’ll use whatever leverage point they can to shut us down, and they’re not. They’re not going to shut us down because the product speaks for itself.”
Norman also discussed the criticism that LIV players are receiving from the tour’s connection to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
“That blows my mind,” Norman said of players being disparaged for joining LIV.
“Sponsors, by the way, who spend billions of dollars in Saudi Arabia. The PGA Tour has about 27 sponsors, I think, who do 40-plus billion dollars’ worth of business on an annual basis in Saudi Arabia.
“Why doesn’t the PGA Tour call the CEO of those organisations (and say), ‘I’m sorry we can’t do business with you because you’re doing business with Saudi Arabia.’ Why are they picking on the professional golfers?”
-Reuters
Golf
IBB applauds IBB Golf Classic initiative
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Golf and Country Club, Africa’s most prestigious golf destination is taking the golf in Nigeria to a higher level by rolling out the IBB Golf Classic, a new premium tournament.
In a show of commitment to promoting the sport of golf and fostering community engagement, the Executive Committee of the IBB Golf Club paid a special visit to General Ibrahim Babangida, former Nigerian President and Life Patron of the Club.
General Ibrahim Babangida applauded the superb management of IBB Golf Club, the relentless pursuit of golfing excellence and its demonstrable commitment to boosting Nigeria’s profile through golf.
During the visit, the Exco members pledged to host the prestigious Ibb Golf Tournament Classic, marking a significant step in the club’s efforts to elevate the profile of golf in the region.
The visit was led by the President of the Golf Club, Ibrahim Babayo, Vice Captain Dr. James Agbonhese, and the female Captain Dame Julie Donli.
The Exco members expressed their dedication to organizing the IBB Golf Classic, a world-class golf tournament that would foster community comradeship and attract participants and spectators from far and wide.
The Club Captain Ibrahim Babayo emphasized the club’s determination to showcase the talent and passion for golf within the region. He commended General Ibrahim Babangida for his visionary leadership, strategic thinking and nationalistic foresight in establishing the IBB Golf Club in 1987.
IBB International Golf and Country Club course is an 18-hole course covering about 101 Hectares (1,000,740m2) of land, located at the choice Aso drive area of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.
Within the course is a driving range, putting green and practice bunkers with a handful of professional golfers and trainers at the service of the members.
The EXCO pledged to uphold the high standards of the Club and stated that: “At IBB International Golf and Country Club, we take pride in providing the luxury and ambiance deserving of our distinguished members. We are also determined to take the game of golf to the grassroots so the game is accessible to more Nigerians.”
General Ibrahim Babangida commended the IBB Golf Club for its proactive approach to promoting golf and expressed his support for the upcoming tournament. He emphasized the positive impact of such events on the local community, stating, “The IBB Golf Tournament Classic will not only elevate the status of the sport in our region but also contribute to the overall growth and development of our community.”
Golf
IBB Golf Club elects Ibrahim Babayo as new Captain and elevates Nigerian golf
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Ibrahim Babayo has been elected as the new Captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja. This appointment comes at a pivotal time for the club, as it aims to elevate its status to a global level and make significant strides in the world of golf.
In his new role, Ibrahim Babayo has expressed his commitment to bringing the IBB Golf Club to a global level. He aims to position the prestigious club as a key player in the international golfing community, showcasing the talent and potential that Nigeria and Africa have to offer in the world of golf.
This vision aligns with the club’s ambition to put Nigeria and Africa on the global golfing map.
In his inaugural address, Captain Babayo pledged to create an unforgettable experience for partners and sponsors, “as we take Nigerian golf and IBB Golf Club to unprecedented levels. I trust believe that the game of golf can be used to write a new Nigerian story. And IBB Golf Club will be at the vanguard of this historic ascend. “
Captain Babayo also pledged to diversify the club’s income streams to both private and public sectors to improve infrastructure and service quality. “We recognize the need to diversify our revenue streams beyond membership fees to enhance the quality of our infrastructure, facilities and services,” he said.
Another item on the new Captain’s agenda, is enhancing hygiene standards and implementing stringent environmental regulations within the club’s premises.
He implored the support of all stakeholders in making the Club a truly global golf brand name He pledged “…to serve with integrity, diligence, and unwavering dedication. Together, let us chart a new course towards a prosperous future for our beloved IBB International Golf and Country Club.”
Captain Babayo brings a wealth of experience to his new role, holding degrees in Estate Management from Kaduna Polytechnic and Yaba College of Technology. He is a distinguished member of the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
As the founder and CEO of Cosmopolitan Cleaners Limited and the Former Chairman, Premium Pension Ltd. Babayo has demonstrated his commitment to driving positive change.
Joining Captain Babayo are newly elected committee members: James Eromosele Agbonhese as Vice Captain, Dame Julie Donli OON as Lady Captain, Bolarin Aliyu-Faniyan as Honorary Secretary, Gabriel O. Aremu as Honorary Treasurer, and Dr. Olarewaju Phillips, Social and Welfare officer.
IBB Golf and Country Club, located in the heart of Nigeria, has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to promoting the country’s culture, heritage, and sporting excellence on the global stage.
The Club was founded in 1991 as an initiative of the Government of Nigeria (through the FCT Administration). It is a self-funding, members only entity, incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the Grand Patron.
The IBB Golf Club remains dedicated to promoting the sport of golf and fostering an environment of camaraderie among its members. The Club has been a hub for golf enthusiasts since its inception and continues to set the benchmark for excellence in African golf
Golf
IBB Golf Club set to redefine golf … launches bold campaign on CNN
The 2023 IBB Golf Club event also featured a historic special golf exhibition by the Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the President, Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe.
The special CNN campaign is designed to elevate the profile of the IBB Golf Club, showcase the world-class facilities it offers, and emphasize the importance of golf as a sport that transcends boundaries, and goes hand in hand with nature.
The CNN campaign will give a quick photo panorama of the IBB Golf Club, exploring the club’s history, world-class facilities, lush greens, breathtaking surrounding and the natural habitat which is also a home to various mammals and captivating crocodiles.
The Captain of the IBB Golf, Dr Banjo Obaleye pointed out that: “The game of golf is growing in Nigeria. We have courses that can compete globally. Our fairways and greens are in impeccable shape and condition. You can come to Nigeria and do your business and also enjoy playing your golf here.
“We are also looking at the youth development and grassroots promotion, because golf is not just about elites. We are confident that maybe tomorrow, Nigerian can produce the next Tiger Woods.”
The Vice-Captain of the Club and Chairman of the Independence Cup Organizing Committee, Mr Ibrahim Babayo also emphasized that “we are taking this golf beyond just play the game. We are looking at how we can improve our social capital and at the same time, how we can improve tourism.
“The potential of Golf tourism is over $19 million. We are excited to be at the centre of history and rewriting the story of golf in Nigeria.
The CNN feature on the IBB Golf Club rounds up with a powerful tip by the Tournament champion and winner of the PAN Nigeria car, Joe Poromo: “You never know when it’s your day. So anytime you show up on the golf course, keep your head down and play against the course. Greatness could just be a shot away.”
In its continued efforts to take Nigerian golf to a new level, IBB Golf and Country Club Abuja has rolled out a special golf tactical campaign starting this November.
The promotional and educational campaign which will be the first of its kind is aimed at promoting golf, sportsmanship, the spirit of unity among enthusiasts and the potential of Nigeria emerging as a top golf nation.
This groundbreaking IBB Golf Club campaign, running from November-December on peak time evening spots will also specially highlight the 2023 Independence Golf Tournament.
This golf event set an all-time record in attendance, atmosphere, sponsorship, executive presence, community engagement, and the grand car prize from PAN Nigeria.
The high profile headline sponsors were PAN Nigeria, Access Bank, BUA Group, Glenfiddich, Sterling Bank, TAJ Bank and Hope PS Bank. Others were Landmark Africa, Waltersmith, Premium Pension, Stanbic IBTC, Golden Construction, MOUNA MO and Interglobal.
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