A day with SPG at Le Meridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort

It was a combination of captivating scenery, cosmopolitan crowds and energetic golfing activity as Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Resort hosted its ninth LM Open under the umbrella of special Preferred Guest (SPG)-Starwood Hotels and Resorts’ acclaimed guest loyalty programme).

The three-day event which concluded on June 22, 2014 brought together a mix of high profile dignitaries, CEOs from financial, oil & gas, constructions, elite SPG members, as well as, golf enthusiasts.

Teams from the five hotels under Starwood in Nigeria- Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Sheraton Abuja Hotel, Le Meridien Ogeyi Place, Port Harcourt, Four Points by Sheraton Lagos and Le MeridienIbom Hotel & Golf Resort, the host hotel, with the highly appreciated support from Sam Logan, GM Ibom Golf Club; handed over gift bags to players on registration.

Speaking at the grand reception cocktail hosted by Le Meridien Ibom, Barry Curran, area general manager- Starwood Hotels in Nigeria, said: “I am delighted to welcome you to our LM Ibom Open now with SPG. Today marks a unique turning point as this is the first time that SPG partners with Sam Logan/Ibom Golf Club and the LM Ibom Open Series. Starwood’s Loyalty Programme SPG is part of events worldwide that range from sport events, entertainment, exhibitions to cooking classes.  It gives members the opportunity to experience those events and our hotels from an exclusive perspective”.

The Area General Manager equally took the opportunity to appreciate the key sponsors including: Chrysler-West Star associates (Jeep),Kenya Airway, Sam Logan, and Ibom Golf Club. Other partners are: Julius Berger, Delta Airlines, 7Up (Pepsi, Aquafina), NigerPet, Standard Alliance Insurance, GDN & One Spirit Company (Fantinel, Code Rouge and Mouton Cadet, Torres), and Zenith Bank.

Curran equally thanked Sam Logan, GM Ibom Golf Club and Roger Edwards, Green keeper Jardin Nig Ltd for their progressive collaboration.

The golf tournament featured Starwood’s brands and signature elements throughout the course which included Le Meridien Eye Openers and Eclairs, Sheraton Colour Your Plate – a health approach to nutrition and fitness, Westin Super Foods, as well as, the Four Points Best Brews and the St. Regis Bloody Mary.

Among the highlights of the tournament was the presentation of prizes to the winners, who also look forward to a very special vacation in Mauritius, supported by Kenya Airways’ discounted flight tickets.

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort & Spa offered a seven-night stay for two for the winner of the main prize in the Male category. The winner of the Female category would also enjoy Westin Turtle Bay Resorts & Spa, Mauritius, the soon-to-open resort.

Ayonmike Tim and Susan Cole Kotas emerged the overall winner for the Male and Female categories respectively winning the prize draw to Mauritius. Other winners  include Osubu Dennis, Morgan Avm for 1st Place Men – Category A & B. Gina Logan and Helen Aou won the 2nd and 3rd place respectively for the Women’s Category.

Additional prizes and winners were announced and up to 50,000 Star points from Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) for 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th places including two flight tickets courtesy of Delta Airline.

The raffle draw prizes include complimentary night stays from Starwood Hotels in Egypt, South Africa, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Morocco, Gambia and Nigeria.

The event came to a close with scores of participants who witnessed the opportunities SPG offers to guests and need to enroll in the programme.

OBINNA EMELIKE