Nigeria’s Francis Epe has made an early statement ahead of the Sunshine Development Tour’s Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic, securing a five-shot victory in the 54-hole Nigeria Closed on Wednesday.
Epe finished the par-72 Lakowe Lakes Golf Club tournament at two-under-par 214 after rounds of 73, 69 and 72, building momentum ahead of the international event.
He said: “It’s a great way to start an all-important week. I look forward to continuing into the second event with this feeling with the aim to win on home soil.”
Former Nigeria number one Onche Odoh finished second on 219, while Kamalu Bako carded 221 to complete the leading trio.
Kabiru Haruna, Mike Ubi, Patrick Paul and Tajudeen Ajayi also impressed and will be among the Nigerian players seeking to challenge the international field.
More than 150 professionals from over 12 African countries are expected to compete in the classic, which makes its debut on the Sunshine Development Tour calendar.
Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing chief executive officer David Ndungu said the strong response highlights the growing interest in professional golf across Africa.
The field includes Nigeria’s Godwin Okoko and Sunday Olapade, Rwanda’s Celestine Nsazuwera, Zambia’s Sydney Wemba, Ghana’s Vincent Togah and Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo.
The international tournament runs from October 2 to 4, with a record $50,000 purse, world ranking points and a new GAC electric car awaiting the winner.
