Golf: Epe Faces Challenge To Retain Nigeria’s No 1 Rank As eTranzact Classic Tees Off

The 2nd eTranzact Classic scheduled to tee off at IBB International Golf and Country Club holds more than a share of the N20 million purse at stake as the event may crown a new number one for the Nigeria Professional Golfing Class.

Francis Epe, the current leader of Nigeria’s professional golf ranking, is also the defending champion of the prestigious eTranzact title. He is, however, condemned to a top finish to retain his spot on the ranking log.

The 2nd eTranzact Classic billed for the 54-hole at the prestigious IBB Golf Course will run from today’s Wednesday, May 15 to Friday, May 17, 2024.

According to Niyi Toluwalope, managing director of eTranzact, “These young Nigerians are full of potential. We are proud to have created this platform for them to showcase their potential. This is our vision, that like the Super Fintech that we are, to always promote healthy and innovative competition that will drive the country forward.”

Top among the contenders for Nigeria’s leader of the order of merit spot from the event include Olapade Sunday, currently ranked behind Epe, and coming from a fourth-place finish at the Cameroun Open last weekend. Others include youngster Okoko Godwin, former Nigeria number one, Kamalu Bako, Kabiru Haruna Mohammaed, Marcus Elisha, and George Inalegwu.

There are also top entries from West African countries, especially Ghana PGA players including Bary Yaw, Augustine Manasseh, and Kofi Owusu.

The 54-hole challenge runs on the platform of the Professional Golf Development (PGD) Tour, which is in its second season.

Femi Olagbenro, PDG Tour Commissioner said the eTranzact event fulfills the objective of the Tour in helping source professional golf events and keeping the abundant golf talent in the country engaged.
“This year we have staged three events on the PGD Tour, and the eTranzact is the latest. We are glad at the impact the event is making. Today the Nigeria circuit has become very dynamic because of the flair that the PGD Tour has brought to the fore.”

One hundred and eighty-five professionals, category one and club amateur players have entered the event and billed for the 54-hole contest.
The event will have a mid-way cut after 36 holes, where the top 30 in the professional category will proceed to the classification round along with club amateurs on Friday, May 17, 2024.