Nigeria’s Francis Epe has emerged as one of the home players to watch at the Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic after winning the 54-hole Nigeria Closed by five shots.
Epe finished the three-day Nigeria Closed tournament at two-under-par 214 after recording rounds of 73, 69 and 72 at the par-72 Lakowe Lakes Golf Club in Lagos. His victory gives him strong momentum ahead of the international phase of the tournament, which begins on October 2.
The Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic is making its debut on the Sunshine Development Tour and has attracted professional golfers from several African countries and beyond. The international tournament will run from October 2 to 4, with players competing for a $50,000 prize fund, world ranking points and other rewards.
Epe said his victory in the Nigeria Closed was a positive way to begin an important week of competition.
“It is good to enter the main event with a winning feeling,” Epe said, adding that he hoped to carry the momentum into the international tournament.
Former Nigeria number one Oche Odoh finished second in the Nigeria Closed with a score of 219, three-over-par, while Kamalu Bako took third place with 221, five-over-par.
Other Nigerian golfers who performed well during the domestic phase include Kabiru Haruna, Mike Ubi, Patrick Paul and Tajudeen Ajayi. They are among the local players expected to challenge the international field when the tournament enters its next stage.
The international event is expected to feature 139 players from 10 countries, comprising 115 professionals and 24 amateurs. Golfers from Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Togo, Canada, Cameroon, Rwanda and Uganda are listed for the competition.
Nigeria has the largest representation, with more than 100 players registered for the tournament. Among the notable Nigerian names are Epe, Godwin Okoko, Sunday Olapade, Kamalu Bako, Andrew Odoh and Tajudeen Ajayi.
The tournament is also significant because it marks the Sunshine Development Tour’s first event in West Africa. Organisers said the competition provides an opportunity for golfers from different parts of Africa to meet, compete and gain valuable experience.
Beyond the $50,000 prize money, professionals will be competing for Official World Golf Ranking points and Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points. These points can help players progress through the development tour pathway towards opportunities on the main Sunshine Tour.
There is also an additional prize for the overall winner, with a brand-new GAC electric vehicle on offer.
The tournament therefore represents more than a local golf competition for Nigerian players. It gives them the opportunity to compete against international professionals on home soil while gaining ranking points without having to travel outside the country.
For Epe, the challenge now becomes maintaining the form that delivered his five-shot victory in the Nigeria Closed. With several experienced golfers arriving from across Africa, the international phase is expected to provide a tougher test.
The final round of the Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic will take place on Sunday, October 4, when the winner will be decided.
