Ghana's Vincent Torgah emerged victorious in the inaugural Lakowe Lakes Classic, held in Lagos, Nigeria. He defeated Nigeria's Kamalu Bako in a sudden-death playoff, securing the championship title. The tournament, part of the Sunshine Development Tour, marked the tour's first-ever event in West Africa. A total of 139 players from 10 nations participated in the competition, which offered a milestone $50,000 prize.
The final round of the tournament witnessed a fierce competition between Torgah and Bako. Bako fired the tournament's lowest round of 6-under-par 66 to finish tied with Torgah at 3-under-par 213 after regulation play. Torgah closed with a steady 1-under-par 70 to also finish on 3-under-par 213. The thrilling conclusion forced a sudden-death playoff, which Torgah won, claiming the championship title.
The Lakowe Lakes Classic drew significant attention, with weather delays doing little to dampen the excitement in Lagos. The tournament featured players from various nations, including Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Cameroon, Zambia, and Uganda. The competition was marked by impressive performances, with Bako's eight-birdie, two-bogey round being a notable highlight.
The Sunshine Development Tour's inaugural event in West Africa was a milestone achievement. The tour's expansion into the region underscores its commitment to promoting golf development. The Lakowe Lakes Classic's success sets a promising precedent for future events in the region.
Following his victory, Torgah expressed his satisfaction with the win, particularly in a competitive field. He acknowledged the pressure exerted by Bako during the final round and praised his opponent's performance. Torgah emphasized the importance of patience and trust in his game during the playoff.
Bako, the runner-up, reflected on his performance, wishing he could have executed the sudden-death playoff better. However, he was pleased with his round, highlighting his strong putting and the opportunity to produce a six-under-par score that gave him a chance at the title.
The Sunshine Development Tour is set to continue with its next event, the Rift Valley Championship, at Nakuru Golf Club in Kenya from October 25 to 27, 2026. The tour will then return to Nigeria for the Alpha Bravo Golf Classic in November. The upcoming events are expected to maintain the tour's momentum, building on the success of the Lakowe Lakes Classic.
Key points
- The Lakowe Lakes Classic marked the Sunshine Development Tour's first event in West Africa.
- Ghana's Vincent Torgah won the tournament in a sudden-death playoff against Nigeria's Kamalu Bako.
- The tournament featured 139 players from 10 nations and offered a $50,000 prize.
