Nigeria's top professional golfers are set to tee off at the 2026 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic, scheduled to begin on September 28 at the Lakowe Lakes Golf Course in Lagos. The tournament, themed "Nigeria Closed," will feature some of the country's most accomplished players competing over three days with a ₦30million prize purse. Oando Plc is supporting the event, which marks a return to major professional golf competitions on the domestic calendar.
The field includes former Lakowe winner Francis Epe, Gift Willy, Kamalu Bako, Mohammed Muazu, and Tajudeen Ajayi, among other top Nigerian professionals. Female professionals Bola Mustapha and Rachael Danjuma, as well as seniors Kingsley Oparakwu, Stanley Omenuko, Liman Mohammad, and Lateef Lasisi, are also listed for the opener. The competition will be played over 56 holes, providing a significant test for the players.
Gift Willy believes the tournament offers more than just a major purse; it provides a platform for Nigerian professionals to rediscover their competitive rhythm. The two-phase structure of the Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic allows players to get back into competition mode and find their form, especially on a demanding course like Lakowe Lakes. Willy expressed excitement about the event, highlighting its importance in preparing players for international competitions.
The championship is expected to provide an early indication of form among Nigeria's leading professionals, particularly with the second and more international phase of the event following almost immediately. The international phase, scheduled for October 2-4, will feature an international field competing for a $50,000 purse and World Golf Ranking points. This phase is listed on the Sunshine Development Tour and is expected to attract leading professionals from across Africa.
Lakowe Lakes Golf Course Manager, Femi Olagbenro, said significant investments have been made to prepare the facility for the two tournaments. The management team has worked extensively on the playing surfaces and other areas of the facility to provide conditions worthy of the quality of players expected. The objective is to provide a course that challenges the players while showcasing the quality of golfing facilities at Lakowe Lakes.
The Nigeria Closed will serve as the curtain-raiser for the second phase of the Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic. The concluding tournament will feature an international field competing for a $50,000 purse, while outstanding performances will also count towards World Golf Ranking points. This phase is expected to add another dimension to the tour, attracting leading professionals from across Africa.
The 2026 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic is a significant event in the Nigerian golfing calendar, providing a platform for local professionals to compete against international players. With its two-phase structure and significant prize purses, the tournament is expected to attract top golfers from across the continent. The event will be a major test for Nigeria's leading professionals as they prepare for international competitions.
Key points
- The 2026 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic will feature a ₦30million prize purse for the Nigeria Closed phase and a $50,000 purse for the international phase.
- The tournament will be played over two phases, with the Nigeria Closed phase scheduled for September 28-30 and the international phase scheduled for October 2-4.
- The event is expected to attract leading professionals from across Africa, providing a platform for Nigerian golfers to compete against international players.
