Nigeria’s Francis Epe has sent a strong message to international players at the Sunshine Development Tour’s Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic. He won the 54-hole Nigeria Closed by five shots on Wednesday.
The Nigeria Closed took place on the par-72 Lakowe Lakes Golf Club. This event kicked off a big week of professional golf, with international players already arriving for the next phase of the Classic.
Epe finished the three-day contest at two-under-par 214. He had rounds of 73, 69, and 72, which gave him a solid five-shot win. This victory gives him good momentum as he heads into the international event.
“It is good to enter the main event with a winning feeling. It’s a great way to start an all-important week. I look forward to continuing into the second event with this feeling,” Epe said.
Oche Odoh, a former Nigeria No. 1, took second place with a score of 219, three-over-par. Kamalu Bako was third, finishing at 221, five-over-par.
The Nigeria Closed also showcased strong performances from Kabiru Haruna, Mike Ubi, Patrick Paul, and Tajudeen Ajayi. These home players are expected to challenge the international competitors when the next stage begins.
More than 150 professional golfers from over 12 African countries are set to compete in the Classic. This tournament is making its debut on the Sunshine Development Tour calendar.
David Ndungu, CEO of the Sunshine Development Tour, East Africa Swing, expressed excitement about the tournament. He noted that the enthusiasm around the Lakowe Lakes Classic shows how important it is to bring the Tour to Nigeria.
“We have been impressed by the enthusiasm around the Lakowe Lakes Classic. For an event making its debut on the Tour calendar, the response from players has been very encouraging. It reflects the growing appetite for quality professional golf events across Africa.”
The international lineup includes top players from the Tour, like Nigerians Godwin Okoko and Sunday Olapade, Rwanda’s Celestine Nsazuwera, Zambia’s Sydney Wemba, Ghana’s Vincent Togah, and Ronald Rugumayo from Uganda.
The stakes are high for the international phase, with $50,000 on the line. This is the biggest purse on the Sunshine Development Tour so far. Players can also earn world ranking points and a brand-new GAC electric car for the overall winner. GAC has donated the vehicle, adding more excitement to the competition.
The international event will take place from October 2 to 4. The grand finale on Sunday will determine who walks away from Lakowe Lakes with the biggest purse yet, valuable world ranking points, and the new car.
For Epe, the challenge starts from a position every golfer dreams of, winning form on home soil.
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