Nigerian Golfers Shine at Sunshine Development Tour Qualifying School
In a remarkable display of skill and dominance, Nigerian professional golfers have taken center stage at the Sunshine Developmental Tour (SDT) Qualifying School, which concluded yesterday at the Lakowe Golf and Country Club in Lagos. The event saw Nigerian players secure an impressive 14 out of the 20 available SDT tickets, highlighting the nation's growing prowess in the sport.
Francis Epe Emerges as Standout Winner
Francis Epe, a former Nigerian number one-ranked player, was the standout performer at the 54-hole tournament. He finished with a commanding nine-shot lead, posting rounds of 73, 69, and 67 for a total score of 209 at the Lakowe Lakes Golf Course. Epe, who recently represented Nigeria at the 2026 DP World Tour's Magical Kenya Open, expressed his joy after the event.
"I am happy to be the winner of this Qualifying School. It is an honour I truly cherish, and I look forward to making the best use of this opportunity," Epe said, reflecting on his victory and the potential it brings for his career.
Strong Competition from West African Contenders
The competition featured top professional golfers from across West Africa, including participants from Ghana, Togo, and Côte d'Ivoire, alongside the host nation, Nigeria. In second position, Dzadey Barry of Ghana tied with Nigeria's Bako Kamalu and Okoko Godwin, each achieving a total score of 218 (+2) over the three days.
Other notable qualifiers from the event include:
- Andrew Odoh (Nigeria)
- Manasseh Augustine (Ghana)
- Vincent Torgah (Ghana)
- Tajudeen Ajayi (Nigeria)
- Udum Sateer (Nigeria)
- Inalegwu George (Nigeria)
- Richard Kouakou (Ivory Coast)
- Monday Eze (Nigeria)
- Jean-Romaric Kouassi (Ivory Coast)
Tour Officials Praise Talent and Facilities
Sunshine Developmental Tour Tournament Director, David Kihara, commended the event for aligning with the Tour's vision of strengthening African representation. "I think the golf potential of Nigeria and other countries represented here is understated based on what I have seen in these few days of organising the SDT (West Africa) Qualifying School. The facilities at Lakowe Lakes Golf Club and the level of talent on display were impressive," he noted.
Femi Olagbenro, Golf Manager of Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate, emphasized the importance of the Qualifying School in supporting professional golf growth in the region. "We believe the exposure these SDT tickets provide will propel Nigerian and other West African professionals to greater global relevance. Lakowe is proud to support initiatives like this and looks forward to strengthening its partnership with the SDT in the future," he stated.
The event not only showcased exceptional golfing talent but also reinforced the collaborative efforts to elevate West African golf on the international stage.
