Sunday Olapade has expressed his delight at winning his first Nigeria PGA Tour title after emerging victorious last Sunday at the Francis Olo Pro-Am Championship on the first playoff hole at the Otukpo Golf Club, in Benue State. Olapade had tied Ghana’s Emos Korblah after 72 holes to force the game into a playoff before going on to claim his first title since turning professional in 2011. “I thank God for this victory” he said, adding that it
would not have been possible if he did not get the measure of support he enjoyed.
“When you have people who believe in you, it gives you a lot of courage” he added He had led the field of 97 players that teed-off the first round with a 68, four under par, and by the end of the third round Chukwudi Okoro, who was equally seeking a maiden win, rose to the top of the leaderboard.
Olapade’s last day carding of 73, one over, was just enough to keep him afloat after Korblah shot ahead with 70, two under par, to force the game to a playoff. “I think this is the moment he has been waiting for,” said Liadi Jaiyeola, who is a senior professional at Olapade’s home club, MicCom Golf Club.
“This win I believe is a defining moment for his career. He has come close on several occasions and the morale booster he has gotten from this win may further launch him into the winning circle.” Third day leader, Okoro’s five over par in the closing round left him in the third place just one shot off the leaders, beating Gift Willy and Ebela Desire, who placed joint fourth with two stokes adrift.
The PGA also announced that the Pa Mark Memorial Tournament earlier scheduled for this week at the Otukpo Golf Club has been put on hold. New Telegraph learnt the tournament may now likely come up in April.
No comments:
Post a Comment