Torgah wins Lakowe Classic after Bako's strong finish

Ghana’s Vincent Torgah fought off a strong final round from Nigeria’s Kamalu Bako to win the Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic. This happened during a sudden-death playoff on Sunday. Torgah also won a new electric car from CIG Motors and the Sunshine Development Tour title.

Torgah watched his lead vanish as Bako made a big move with a six-under-par 66. This pushed the $50,000 tournament into extra holes at the par-72 Lakowe Lakes Championship course.

The Classic had support from Oando, CIG Motors, ARM, and Providus Unity Bank.

Rain held up the final round before all 33 finalists returned to play. Bako quickly created excitement with eight birdies and two bogeys. His great putting helped him catch up to Torgah for the playoff.

Even though Bako did not win in sudden death, he felt good about his play. He said, "I wished I could have executed the sudden death play better, but I was happy with my round where I putted well and was able to produce a six under par that gave me the chance at the title."

Torgah dealt with the pressure well, finishing the final round with a score of 70. He had rounds of 70, 71, and 70, ending at three-under-par before winning in sudden death.

First-day leader Celestine Nsanzuwera from Rwanda made a strong comeback to tie for third place with Ezekiel Afisco. Both finished the week at two-under-par, showing the level of talent gathered from across Africa.

Beyond the final-round excitement, this week was a big step as it marked the first Sunshine Development Tour event held in West Africa. This gives professionals in the area better chances for high-level competition and Official World Golf Ranking points.

SDT Chief Executive Officer David Ndungu said the players showcased the talent in the region. He stated, "West African professional golf is full of potential talents, and the incursion of the SDT team will work to expand and grow opportunities for the game."

Lakowe Lakes Golf Manager Femi Olagbenro mentioned that the club is focused on finding ways to grow the sport. They plan to build corporate partnerships through sponsorships and other initiatives to help professional golf thrive.

With Bako’s closing 66, Nsanzuwera’s strong finish, the rain delay, and Torgah’s playoff win, the week showed a great display of African professional golf. This also marks a hopeful beginning for the SDT’s growth in West Africa.