By GPC Sports Reporter
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, which ended at Nakuru Golf Club on Tuesday.
Okoko carded a final-round five-under-par 68 to finish on 209, securing a one-shot victory over Kenya’s Simon Njogu, who returned a total of 210.
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The Nigerian’s final 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 lead to secure the title.
The victory earned Okoko KSh400,000 from the KSh2 million prize purse, alongside 210 Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points.
“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,” Okoko said.
He added that the course had tested the competitors but said he remained focused and took advantage of scoring opportunities.
The win gives him confidence ahead of the next tournament, which will be held in his home country, Nigeria.
Njogu finishes second
Njogu, representing Golf Park Golf Club, finished second on nine-under-par 210 after another consistent performance over the three rounds.
His final-round card included birdies on holes 5, 8, 10, 11 and 16, with bogeys on holes 4 and 17.
He earned KSh214,000 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,” Njogu said.
He congratulated Okoko on the victory, adding that he would build on his performance in the remaining events.
Overnight leader Edwin Mudanyi finished third 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 limited his chances of challenging for the title.
Dismas Indiza finished fourth on four-under-par 214, while Greg Snow of Muthaiga Golf Club took fifth place on four-under-par 215. John Kagiri was sixth on one-under-par 218.
Pathway to Sunshine Tour
Sponsored by NCBA Bank, the Rift Valley Championship is part of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing, which brings together professional golfers and elite amateurs from across the region.
The series offers prize money and ranking points, while providing players with opportunities to progress to the main Sunshine Tour.
The events also award Official World Golf Ranking points to professionals and World Amateur Golf Ranking points to eligible amateur competitors.
Okoko will return to Nigeria for the next event, the Alpha Bravo Golf Classic, scheduled for November 18–21, 2026, at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate.
He will be seeking to build on his maiden professional victory as the East Africa Swing progresses.
