Okoko Claims Maiden Sunshine Development Tour Crown in Kenya

Posted : 29 October 2026

Nigerian golfer Godwin Okoko has clinched his maiden Sunshine Development Tour title after producing a commanding final-round performance to win the Rift Valley Championship at Nakuru Golf Club, Kenya.

Okoko carded a five-under-par 68 in the final round to finish with a reported total of 210, securing victory at the eighth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing.

The Nigerian’s decisive charge featured six birdies on holes 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, and 17, alongside an eagle on the 16th hole.

Despite dropping shots on holes 5, 8, and 12, Okoko maintained his composure to complete the victory and secure his first professional 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 the effort pay off,” he said.

“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,” Okoko added.

His triumph earned him Ksh 400,000 from the Ksh 2 million prize purse, alongside 209 Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points.

Simon Njogu of Golf Park Golf Club finished second, receiving Ksh 214,000 and 172 Order of Merit points after a strong showing across the championship.

Njogu recorded birdies on holes 5, 8, 10, 11, and 16 in the final round, with dropped shots on holes 4 and 17 limiting his challenge for 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,” he said.

“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.”

Overnight leader Edwin Mudanyi settled for third place after finishing on six-under-par 213, following 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 stalled his attempt to reclaim the lead.

“It was a difficult day, especially at the start, but I tried to stay in the round and fight back,” Mudanyi said.

“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 will keep working towards the next event.”

Dismas Indiza finished fourth, while Greg Snow of Muthaiga Golf Club placed fifth. John Kagiri completed the top six.

Sponsored by NCBA Bank, the championship brought together professional golfers and elite amateurs from across the region, offering prize money, ranking points, and opportunities for career progression.

The competition awarded Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit points, which could help players advance towards the main Sunshine Tour. It also offered Official World Golf Ranking points for professionals and World Amateur Golf Ranking points for eligible amateurs.

Okoko will now return to Nigeria for the Alpha Bravo Golf Classic, scheduled for Nov. 18 to Nov. 21 at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate.

Buoyed by his breakthrough victory in Kenya, the Nigerian will seek to sustain his form and contend for another title on home soil.

Okoko Claims Maiden Sunshine Development Tour Crown in Kenya

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