By Our Correspondent

National News – Professional golfers from across West and Central Africa have converged on Lakowe Lakes Golf Club for the 2026 Sunshine Developmental Tour Qualifying School, a key tournament designed to identify rising talents and provide a pathway into the elite Sunshine Tour.

The 54-hole event is scheduled to take place from April 13 to April 15, 2026, drawing participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Gabon.

The competition, organised as part of the Sunshine Developmental Tour, aims to offer emerging golfers an opportunity to earn rankings and secure qualification spots for the main tour.

Officials from the East Africa Swing, including Ndung’u David Kitonga and Kihara Benjamin Kuria, have joined the local organising team to ensure the smooth execution of the inaugural event.

According to Lakowe’s Golf Manager, Femi Olagbenro, the tournament represents a major step forward for professional golf development in West Africa.

He noted that the event is expected to open doors for regional players seeking international exposure and competitive growth.

Olagbenro also highlighted plans to establish the qualifying school as a permanent fixture in Lakowe’s sporting calendar.

The Sunshine Developmental Tour Qualifying School is attracting attention due to its role in bridging the gap between local competitions and global opportunities.

Players competing in the tournament are not only battling for top honours but also positioning themselves for long-term careers in professional golf.

Organisers say the event will boost sports tourism in Lagos State while strengthening Nigeria’s reputation as a hub for major sporting events.

With a diverse field and growing regional interest, the tournament is set to mark a new chapter in African golf development.