The 2026 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic is set to tee off from September 28 to 30 at the Lakowe Lakes Golf Course in Lagos, Nigeria. The tournament, supported by Oando Plc, will feature the country's leading professional golfers competing for a ₦30 million prize purse in the Nigeria Closed phase. This phase, which will run for three days, will be played over 56 holes and will bring together some of Nigeria's top professionals.
The field for the Nigeria Closed phase includes former Lakowe winner Francis Epe, Gift Willy, Kamalu Bako, Mohammed Muazu, and Tajudeen Ajayi, among others. The tournament will also feature leading female professionals, including Bola Mustapha and Rachael Danjuma, as well as senior players such as Kingsley Oparakwu, Stanley Omenuko, Liman Mohammad, and Lateef Lasisi. These golfers will compete for honours on the challenging Lakowe Lakes course.
For Gift Willy, the tournament represents an opportunity to compete for the substantial purse and regain his competitive rhythm after a prolonged break from major domestic events. Willy believes the two-phase structure of the Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic will help Nigerian professionals prepare for international competitions. He expressed his excitement about the event, citing the course's demanding nature and its reputation for hosting prominent international events.
The Nigeria Closed phase will provide an early assessment of the form of Nigeria's leading professionals before the international phase of the tournament gets underway. The international phase, scheduled for October 2 to 4, will attract an international field competing for a $50,000 prize purse and World Golf Ranking points. This phase is listed on the Sunshine Development Tour and is expected to raise the profile of the Lakowe Lakes Golf Course as a venue for elite professional competition.
Lakowe Lakes Golf Course Manager, Femi Olagbenro, said the facility had undergone extensive preparations to ensure the course is ready for the two competitions. The objective is to provide a course that challenges the players while showcasing the quality of golfing facilities at Lakowe Lakes. Olagbenro expressed confidence in the course's ability to host a successful tournament.
Professionals from across Africa are expected to participate in the international phase of the Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic, further raising the profile of the tournament. With ₦30 million on offer in the Nigeria Closed phase, followed by the $50,000 international tournament and valuable ranking points, the 2026 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic is set to provide Nigerian professionals with a significant stretch of competitive action.
The 2026 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic is a significant event for Nigerian golfers, offering a chance to compete against top professionals and gain valuable experience. The tournament's two-phase structure and substantial prize purses make it an attractive competition for golfers from across Africa. The event is expected to showcase the quality of golfing facilities at Lakowe Lakes and provide a platform for Nigerian professionals to regain their competitive rhythm.
Key points
- The 2026 Lakowe Lakes Golf Classic will feature a ₦30 million prize purse in the Nigeria Closed phase and a $50,000 prize purse in the international phase.
- The tournament will be played over two phases, with the Nigeria Closed phase running from September 28-30 and the international phase from October 2-4.
- The event is expected to attract professionals from across Africa and provide valuable World Golf Ranking points.
