Nigerian golfer Godwin Okoko claimed his maiden Sunshine Development Tour title after edging Kenya’s Simon Njogu by one stroke to win the Rift Valley Championship, which concluded on Tuesday at Nakuru Golf Club.
Okoko finished on 10-under-par 209 after rounds of 75, 66 and 68, with his five-under-par final round securing victory in the eighth leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing.
The Nigerian took home Sh400,000 before tax and earned 210 Order of Merit points, boosting his bid to progress to the main Sunshine Tour.
His final-round card featured six birdies on holes three, four, six, 10, 11 and 17, as well as an eagle on the 16th. Despite dropping shots on holes five, eight and 12, Okoko maintained his composure to seal the title.
“I’m very happy to win my first title on the Sunshine Development Tour,” Okoko said.
“I’ve been working hard throughout the season, and it feels good to see that effort pay off. The course tested us, but I stayed focused, took my opportunities and kept pushing until the end.”
Njogu, who plays for Golf Park Golf Club, finished second on nine-under-par 210 after rounds of 72, 69 and 69. His final round featured birdies on holes five, eight, 10, 11 and 16, with bogeys on holes four and 17. He earned Sh214,000 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.
“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 finished third on three-under-par 213 after rounds of 73, 65 and 75. He struggled early in his final round, dropping shots on holes one, three and four before recovering with a birdie on the sixth. Two more birdies on the back nine were offset by consecutive bogeys on holes 14 and 15.
Mudanyi earned Sh144,700 for his third-place finish.
“It was a difficult day, especially at the start, but I tried to stay in the round and fight back. I managed to pick up a few birdies, but I also made some costly mistakes,” he said.
“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’ll keep working towards the next event.”
Dismas Indiza finished fourth on 214 after rounds of 71, 71 and 72, while Greg Snow of Muthaiga Golf Club placed fifth on 215 following rounds of 75, 72 and 68. John Kagiri was sixth on 218.
Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera and Kenya’s John Karichu shared seventh place on 219, while David Wakhu and Samuel Njoroge tied for ninth on 220. Elvis Muigua finished 11th on 221.
The championship brought together professional golfers and elite amateurs from across the region, offering prize money, ranking points and opportunities to advance their careers.
Professionals competed for Official World Golf Ranking points, while eligible amateurs earned World Amateur Golf Ranking points.
Okoko will return to Nigeria for the next Sunshine Development Tour event, the Alpha Bravo Golf Classic, scheduled for November 18-21, 2026, at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate, where he will seek to build on his breakthrough victory.
