By VIVIAN AHANMISI

Nigerian golfer, Godwin Okoko, has won his maiden professional title after emerging champion at the Rift Valley Championship in Kenya.

The championship which ended at Nakuru Golf Club on Tuesday, was the eighth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing.

Okoko, who has been in fine form this season, carded a five-under-par 68 in the final round to finish with a total of 210 and secure the title.

His final-round scorecard featured six birdies on holes 3, 4, 6, 10, 11 and 17, as well as an eagle on the 16th hole.

He dropped shots on holes 5, 8 and 12 but maintained his advantage to seal the victory.

Speaking after his round, Okoko expressed happiness at winning his first Sunshine Development Tour title.

“I’m very happy to win my first title on the Sunshine Development Tour. I’ve been working hard throughout the season, and it feels good to see that the effort pay off.

“The course tested us, but I stayed focused, took my opportunities and kept pushing until the end.

“This win gives me a lot of confidence as I prepare for the next event back home in Nigeria,” he said.

The victory earned Okoko Ksh 400,000 from the Ksh 2 million prize purse, alongside 209 Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points.

Simon Njogu of Golf Park Golf Club finished second with a total of nine-under-par 210 after another strong performance.

His final-round scorecard featured birdies on holes 5, 8, 10, 11 and 16, while his only dropped shots came on holes 4 and 17.

Njogu earned Ksh 214,000 and 172 Order of Merit points for his second-place finish.

“I’m pleased with how I played over the three days. I gave myself opportunities and managed to finish strongly, although there are a few shots I would have liked back.

“Congratulations to Godwin on the win. I’ll take the positives from this week and build on them as we head into the next tournament,” he said.

Edwin Mudanyi, who started the final round as the overnight leader, finished third on six-under-par 213 after a challenging start.

He dropped shots on holes 1, 3 and 4 before recovering with a birdie on the sixth hole.

He added two more birdies on the back nine, but consecutive bogeys on holes 14 and 15 limited his recovery.

Mudanyi described the final round as difficult, particularly at the start, but said he tried to remain competitive and fight back.

“It was a difficult day, especially at the start, but I tried to stay in the round and fight back.

“I managed to pick up a few birdies, but I also made some costly mistakes.

“It’s disappointing not to finish on top after putting myself in a good position, but there are positives to take from the week and I will keep working towards the next event,” he said.

Dismas Indiza finished fourth on four-under-par 214, while Greg Snow of Muthaiga Golf Club took fifth place on four-under-par 215.

John Kagiri finished sixth on one-under-par 218.

Sponsored by NCBA Bank, the championship formed part of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing.

The tournament brought together professional golfers and elite amateurs from across the region to compete for prize money, world ranking points and opportunities to advance their careers.

Beyond the title and prize money, the tournament offered Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points, which are important for players seeking opportunities to progress to the main Sunshine Tour.

The event also provided Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points for professionals and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points for eligible amateurs.

Okoko will return to Nigeria for the next Sunshine Development Tour event, the Alpha Bravo Golf Classic, scheduled for Nov. 18 to Nov. 21, at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate.

Having secured his first professional title, he will be looking to maintain his momentum at the home event and challenge for another victory. (NAN)