The Catholic Golfers Association of Nigeria will honour the late Rev. Fr. Anthony Mario Ozele of the Catholic Diocese of Warri at the second edition of its Marian Classic Tournament, scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026, at Lakowe Golf and Country Estate, Lagos.

The tournament will bring together Catholic golfers and players from across Nigeria to promote fellowship, unity, networking and the Catholic faith through the game of golf.

Chairman of the Organising Committee, Sir Emmanuel Okene, disclosed that this year’s edition would, for the first time, honour the departed priest in recognition of his dedication to evangelisation and spreading the Gospel.

Okene said part of the donations and proceeds from the tournament would support the late priest’s ministry, particularly the publication and distribution of his evangelisation materials.

“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,” he said.

He described the priest as an example of authentic evangelisation, adding that the initiative would help sustain his mission and preserve his legacy.

The tournament is expected to attract accomplished golfers, priests, business leaders and other participants from different sectors of the economy. It will feature men’s, women’s, priests’ and veterans’ categories, alongside special prizes for the Longest Drive, nearest to the Pin and Overall, Gross competitions.

Chairman of the Competition Committee, Mrs. Fatumata Soukonou-Coker, said the event would be played in the Stroke Play format, with a shotgun start to ensure an organised and engaging competition for participants.

The Catholic Golfers Association of Nigeria describes itself as the world’s first all-Catholic golf association. Established to promote evangelisation and deepen the Catholic faith, the association uses golf as a platform for fellowship, engagement and spiritual growth. (Daily Trust)