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 a tournament total of nine-under-par 209, sealing victory after three days of competition.His closing round featured 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 secure his first title on the tour.
“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. 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,” said Okoko.The victory earned him Ksh400,000 from the Ksh2 million prize purse and 210 Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points.
Simon Njogu of Golf Park Golf Club finished second on nine-under-par 210, earning Ksh214,000 and 172 Order of Merit points.Njogu’s final round included birdies on holes 5, 8, 10, 11 and 16, with bogeys on holes 4 and 17 proving costly in his pursuit of the title.“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,” said Njogu.Overnight leader Edwin Mudanyi settled for third place on six-under-par 213 after a difficult start to his final round. He dropped shots on the first, third and fourth holes before recovering with a birdie on the sixth. Two more birdies on the back nine offered hope, but consecutive bogeys on holes 14 and 15 curtailed his challenge.
Menengai Oilers lock reveals English star who inspired his deadlocks“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’ll keep working towards the next event,” said Mudanyi.
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Dismas Indiza finished fourth on four-under-par 214, while Greg Snow of Muthaiga Golf Club placed fifth on four-under-par 215. John Kagiri finished sixth on one-under-par 218.Sponsored by NCBA Bank, the championship brought together professional golfers and elite amateurs from across the region, with players competing for prize money, world ranking points and opportunities to advance their careers.
The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing provides a pathway for golfers seeking to progress to the main Sunshine Tour. The event offered Order of Merit points towards that goal, alongside Official World Golf Ranking points for professionals and World Amateur Golf Ranking points for eligible amateurs.Okoko will now return to Nigeria for the next event on the tour, the Alpha Bravo Golf Classic, scheduled for November 18–21, 2026, at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate. He will be hoping to build on his breakthrough victory and maintain his momentum on home soil.