Okoko wins first pro golf title in Kenya, returns home for Lakowe event
- Godwin Okoko won the Rift Valley Championship in Nakuru, Kenya, by one shot.
- He shot a closing 68 for a 209 total and earned about ₦4 million.
- He next plays the Alpha Bravo Golf Classic at Lakowe Lakes from 18 to 21 November.
Nigerian golfer Godwin Okoko has won his first title as a professional, taking the Rift Valley Championship at Nakuru Golf Club in Kenya by a single stroke.
Okoko signed for a five-under-par 68 in the final round, finishing the three-round event on 209. The tournament was the eighth stop on the Sunshine Development Tour's East Africa Swing.
He began the last day behind Edwin Mudanyi, the overnight leader, but overtook him as Mudanyi struggled. Okoko's card included an eagle on the 16th and birdies on the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 10th, 11th and 17th holes. He gave shots back on the 5th, 8th and 12th but still held on.
The win was worth Ksh 400,000, which ThisDay put at about ₦4 million, from a Ksh 2 million purse. He also picked up 210 Order of Merit points, which count towards progress to the main Sunshine Tour.
What it means for Okoko
“I'm very happy to win my first title on the Sunshine Development Tour,” Okoko said after his round. He said the course was tough but he stayed focused and took his chances.
He said the result gives him confidence ahead of his next event at home. The Alpha Bravo Golf Classic is set for 18 to 21 November at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate in Nigeria.
Kenya's Simon Njogu of Golf Park Golf Club came second on 210, one shot behind, after a final round that brought five birdies and two dropped shots. He earned Ksh 214,000 and 172 points.
“Congratulations to Godwin on the win,” Njogu said, adding that he was pleased with how he played over the three days.
Mudanyi finished third on 213. He said the day was hard, especially at the start, and that it was disappointing not to close out the win after putting himself in a good position.
Dismas Indiza took fourth on 214, Greg Snow of Muthaiga Golf Club was fifth on 215 and John Kagiri sixth on 218.
The championship, sponsored by NCBA Bank, brought together professionals and top amateurs from across the region. It carried Official World Golf Ranking points for professionals and World Amateur Golf Ranking points for eligible amateurs.
For Okoko, the win is a first step on a tour built to move players up. Nigerian golf fans will get to see him play at home in a little over two weeks.
