The Catholic Golfers Association of Nigeria will hold the second edition of its golf tournament, tagged the Marian Classic Tournament, on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the prestigious Lakowe Golf and Country Estate, Lagos.
The tournament, which is open to golfers across the country, seeks to bring together Catholic golfers and players from diverse backgrounds, fostering fellowship, unity and networking through the game of golf.
In a statement, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Sir Emmanuel Okene, disclosed that this year’s tournament would, for the first time, honour a departed priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Mario Ozele of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, who recently passed away.
The Marian Classic Tournament is expected to attract accomplished golfers and business leaders from various sectors of the Nigerian economy, providing an avenue for sporting excellence, social engagement and the promotion of the Catholic faith.
Speaking further, Sir Okene said, “As we tee off for this year’s Marian Classic Tournament, we are coming together as a community to honour a shepherd we dearly miss — the late Fr. Mario Ozele. Fr. Mario showed us the true meaning of authentic evangelization. To keep his mission alive, a portion of our donations and tournament proceeds will go directly towards his ministry’s efforts to publish and distribute his evangelization materials, just as he passionately did during his lifetime.”
The tournament will feature several competitive categories, including men’s, women’s, priests’ and veterans’ competitions for both men and women. Other special prizes will be awarded for the Longest Drive, Nearest to the Pin and Overall Gross categories.
According to Mrs. Fatumata Soukonou-Coker, Chairman of the Competition Committee, “the tournament will be played in the Stroke Play format, with a shotgun start to ensure a seamless, engaging and inclusive experience for golfers of all skill levels.
The Catholic Golfers Association of Nigeria is described as the world’s first all-Catholic golf association. Established primarily for Catholic golfers, the Association seeks to promote evangelization and deepen the faith by using golf as a platform for fellowship, engagement and spiritual growth.
Its membership is open to the Catholic laity, priests and religious, reflecting its inclusive commitment to building a community united by faith and a shared passion for the game.
Through the Marian Classic Tournament, the Association continues to demonstrate how sport can serve as a vehicle for evangelization, fraternity and charitable outreach, while keeping alive the legacy of a priest whose ministry was dedicated to spreading the Gospel.