Four Nigerian golf pros hit Kampala for 2026 Uganda Open

​ A four-man contingent of Nigerian professional golfers has arrived in Kampala to compete in the 2026 Uganda Open at the Uganda Golf Club.

​The quad which includes Sunday Olapade, Solomon Ideria, Tajudeen Ajayi and Godwin Okoko, is currently on the East Africa leg of the Sunshine Development Tour (SDT).

​The players have been touring the region since June to secure World Golf Ranking points, international exposure, and vital tournament play. Their participation stems from the SDT Qualifiers hosted in partnership with Lakowe Lakes Golf Club in Lagos, which created a direct pathway for Nigerian pros to feature on the regional tour.

​Olapade noted that the international tour offers crucial competition at a time when domestic opportunities remain scarce.

​“Most Nigerian players are idling at home right now because of the current state of professional golf in Nigeria,” Olapade said. “Those who took the chance at the SDT Qualifiers in Lakowe have leveraged it for critical exposure and ranking points.”

​Okoko enters the Uganda Open following a strong performance at the ABSA Invitational at Ruiru Golf Club in Kenya, where he finished second.

​“I am very pleased with the state of my game,” Okoko said. “I’m especially grateful to Olapade, who has sacrificed his time and experience to lead us out here. Our cohesion as a team was a huge part of my closing performance in Ruiru. I believe I am getting better, and this next event will prove that.”

​Following the Uganda leg, the group will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, for the Sportsbiz Africa Golf tournament scheduled for September 11–13.

​“The experience on the road will definitely count,” Ideria said. “I cherish the journey so far and commend the spark triggered by the qualifiers in Lagos.”

​Ajayi added that he looks forward to applying the lessons learned once domestic action resumes: “I have learned a lot out here and can’t wait to play in front of my home crowd and sponsors again.”

​To further support local professionals, Lakowe Lakes Golf Club announced it will host two SDT events later this year. The estate’s flagship Lakowe Lakes Classic will join the SDT calendar in October, followed by the debut of the Alpha Bravo Classic on the SDT-East Africa Swing in November.

​Femi Olagbenro, Golf Manager at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate, emphasized the long-term impact of the initiative.

​“By listing our flagship event on the Sunshine Development Tour in October, there will be more at stake,” Olagbenro said. “We look forward to having these players return to justify their exposure alongside other members of the SDT East Africa Swing.”