The second eTranzact Classic, currently underway at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, has become a thrilling contest for the top spot in Nigeria’s professional golf rankings. Defending champion Francis Epe, the current number one, faces stiff competition from a talented field of golfers vying for the coveted title.
Senator Emmanuel Anosike Captain of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja and Abubakar Achimugu is currently General Manager, Business Development at eTranzact at the ongoing second eTranzact Golf Classic,
Top contenders for the number one spot include Olapade Sunday, currently ranked second, who is fresh from a fourth-place finish at the Cameroun Open last weekend. Other strong challengers include youngster Okoko Godwin, former Nigeria number one Kamalu Bako, and seasoned golfers Kabiru Haruna Mohammaed, Marcus Elisha, and George Inalegwu.
The competition also features top entries from West African countries, including Ghana PGA players Bary Yaw, Augustine Manasseh, and Kofi Owusu. The 54-hole challenge, organized by the Professional Golf Development (PGD) Tour, has attracted 185 professionals, category one, and club amateur players.
According to Niyi Toluwalope, Managing Director of eTranzact, “We are proud to create this platform for young Nigerians to showcase their potential. Our vision is to promote healthy and innovative competition that drives the country forward.”
Femi Olagbenro, PDG Tour Commissioner, emphasized that the eTranzact event aligns with the Tour’s objective of sourcing professional golf events and keeping golf talent engaged. “The Nigeria circuit has become very dynamic due to the flair that PGD Tour has brought to the fore.”
The competition will have a mid-way cut after 36 holes, with the top 30 professionals and club amateurs proceeding to the classification round on Friday, May 17, 2024. The event promises to be an exciting showdown, with the winner taking home the coveted title and a share of the N20 million prize money.
The following are some of the most notable competitors vying for Nigeria’s top golfer spot
– *Francis Epe*: the current number one in Nigeria’s professional golf rankings and defending champion of the esteemed eTranzact title
– *Olapade Sunday*: currently ranked second behind Epe and has a fourth-place finish in the Cameroun Open last weekend
– *Okoko Godwin*: a young golfer
– *Kamalu Bako*: former Nigeria number one
– *Kabiru Haruna Mohammaed*: a contender
– *Marcus Elisha*: a contender
– *George Inalegwu*: a contender
– *Bary Yaw*: a Ghana PGA player
– *Augustine Manasseh*: a Ghana PGA player
– *Kofi Owusu*: a Ghana PGA player
The 54-hole competition is part of the Professional Golf Development (PGD) Tour, which is now in its second season ⁵.
