United States-based Senegalese professional golfer Samba Niang will lead the array of topflight players at the 2023 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic from Frday (today) to October 1.
Nigeria’s number one player and two-time winner of the 2023 Professional Golf Development Tour, Francis Epe; defending champion and former Nigeria’s best player, Sunday Olapade and Ghana’s best player, Vincent Torgah are all part of the star-studded field that will be vying for a slice of the N12m at stake at the event.
The field also includes Agbavon Kosivi from Togo and Richard Kouame from Ivory Coast.
Femi Olagbenro, Golf Manager, Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate, said the event would be decided over 56 holes, with the best player pocketing N2m from the purse.
“Lakowe is one course that tests the players to the fullest, and you will see the best players assembled here this weekend. The Lakowe Classic has become one event the players look forward to because of the experience and the challenge the course presents,” Olagbenro said.
Gift Willy from Python Golf Club, Oche Odoh from IBB International Golf and Country Club, Chidi Tobias from Ikeja Golf, Mike Ubi from Python and Kabir Mohammed fromKano Golf Club are some of the top Nigerian players on parade at the yearly tournament.
“We are looking forward to a keenly contested event and as usual, the indescribable experience associated with playing on our facility awaits all participants.”
Olagbenro added that the event, now tied with “Escape to the Greens”, affords non-golfers the opportunity to engage in several activities deliberately curated around the golf estate to accommodate players and non-players alike.
“Karaoke, Picnics, Cultural Nights and Independence Anniversary Party are all opportunities for family bonding that the event provides, while comedians, movie stars and legendary Jimi Solanke are all billed to feature at the lined up events off the course.”
Amateur players drawn largely from the club’s membership, would be on parade as well, they will be vying for honours alongside the professional players.