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By: Abiodun Adewale
The second eTranzact Classic billed to tee off at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja on Wednesday (today) holds more than a share of the N20m prize at stake as the tourney may crown a new number one for Nigeria gold professionals.
Running on the platform of the Professional Golf Development Tour, 185 pros including category one and club amateur players, have entered the 54-hole event, which ends Friday, May 17.
Francis Epe, the current leader of Nigeria’s professional golf ranking, is also the defending champion of the prestigious eTranzact title. He is, however, primed for a top finish to retain his spot in the rankings.
Managing Director of eTranzact, Niyi Toluwalope, said, “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 we are, to always promote healthy and innovative competition that will drive the country forward.”
Top among contenders for Nigeria’s leader of the order of merit spot from the tournament include Olapade Sunday, currently ranked behind Epe, and coming from a fourth-place finish at the Cameroon 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.
PDG Tour Commissioner, Femi Olagbenro, said the eTranzact event fulfilled the objective of the tour in helping source professional golf events and keeping the abundant golf talents 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 Nigerian circuit has become very dynamic because of the flair that the PGD Tour has brought to the fore.”
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.