Nigeria’s Okoko clinches maiden Sunshine Development Tour title in Nakuru

NAKURU, Kenya, Oct 27 – Nigeria’s Godwin Okoko claimed his maiden professional title after winning the Rift Valley Championship, the eighth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, at Nakuru Golf Club on Tuesday. Okoko carded a five-under-par 68 in the final round to finish on 11-under-par 209, securing a two-shot victory and a place on the winner’s podium. The Nigerian produced an impressive final round, recording six birdies on holes 3, 4, 6, 10, 11 and 17, as well as an eagle on the 16th. Despite dropping shots on holes 5, 8 and 12, he maintained his composure to close out the tournament with the 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 effort pay off,” said Okoko. “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.” Jacquie Muhati (L) NCBA Group Deputy Director, Marketing & Group Head Of Brands presents the winner’s trophy to Godwin Okoko, winner of the Rift Valley Championship in Nakuru poses with his trophy. Okoko earned Sh400,000 from the Sh2 million prize purse, alongside 210 Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points. Golf Park Golf Club’s Simon Njogu finished second on nine-under-par 210 after a strong final round. Njogu carded birdies on holes 5, 8, 10, 11 and 16, with bogeys on holes 4 and 17. The Kenyan took home Sh214,000 and 172 Order of Merit points. “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,” said Njogu. “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.” Overnight leader Edwin Mudanyi settled for third place on six-under-par 213 after a difficult start to his final round. Mudanyi dropped shots on the first, third and fourth holes before recovering with a birdie on the sixth. He added two more birdies on the back nine but consecutive bogeys on holes 14 and 15 ended his hopes of mounting a serious challenge for the title. “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,” said Mudanyi. “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’ll keep working towards the next event.” Dismas Indiza finished fourth on four-under-par 214, while Muthaiga Golf Club’s Greg Snow placed fifth on four-under-par 215. John Kagiri completed the top six on one-under-par 218. Godwin Okoko, winner of the Rift Valley Championship in Nakuru poses with his trophy. The Rift Valley Championship brought together professional golfers and elite amateurs from across the region as part of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing. The tournament offered players an opportunity to earn prize money and valuable ranking points as they seek to advance their professional careers. Professionals competed for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, while eligible amateurs earned World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points. The Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit also provides a pathway for players seeking opportunities to progress to the main Sunshine Tour. Okoko will now return to Nigeria for the next event on the circuit, the Alpha Bravo Golf Classic, scheduled for November 18–21, 2026, at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate. Following his maiden title, the Nigerian will be hoping to carry his winning form into the home event as he targets another strong performance.