Otukpo (Benue), April 9, 2016 (NAN) No fewer than 120 golfers alongside former Senate President David Mark, on Saturday teed off as the 2016 Pro-Am golf tournament began in Otukpo. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mark teed off in the company of his wife Helen after a slight rainfall. Mark and the wife are high profile competitors at the tournament. David Mark (Junior), President, David Mark International Golf Academy told newsmen that the tournament would be a straight play of 72 holes. “It’s a 72-hole tournament that will be played for two days and two rounds with a cut at the end of the first day. “So if you haven’t played well enough to pass through to the second day then, you are cut from the field which minimises the field on the second day. “That is fairly normal in this type of format and it makes it more competitive because everybody on the first day has to be on top of their game. “Conditions at the moment means that the scores may be slightly higher than normal because of the rains; so, there is going to be real test of skill,’’ he said. Mark, who declined to disclose the prize money for the seniors event said that the academy players would get scholarships as reward for their hard work. Meanwhile, Sen. Mark said that he was confident of winning the tournament. “I try to encourage golfers but I encourage footballers and other sportsmen and women. “With this showers of blessing, I think I should be able to win and the tournament having coincided with my 68 birthday, I should win,’’ he said. His wife, Helen said that she would play well to pocket the ladies prize. “I will be happy if I can win; naturally, anyone who is participating in a game will want to win, so if I win this tournament I will be very happy,’’ she said. NAN reports that President of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Mr Peter Deshi and President of the Otukpo Golf and Country Club Abel Owoicho are participating in the two-day tournament. The tournament, which teed off on Saturday ends on April 10 with presentation of prizes. (NAN)