Gift Willy takes fourth CIO Classic, pockets PGA Tour’s biggest prize

Port Harcourt-based Gift Willy, at the weekend, overhauled the field to win the fourth CIO Classic at the Python Golf Club in the Rivers State capital.

Playing on his course, Willy beat Nigeria’s number one golfer, Francis Epe, who led the field for three days, to win the biggest prize money in the 2023 Nigerian Tour.

Willy put up a commanding performance despite the pressure, and the rain halted third-round, which piled up for a 27-hole nerve-wrecking closing day. He shot 68 to close the shut-out all contenders at eleven-under par, 277 (72, 68, 69, 68) after 72 holes.

“If you compete with a player like Francis Epe, you will almost be distracted by the talent at play. I came prepared and had my game plan for every round we played. My goal was to play bogey-free and pick all the birdie opportunities that presented itself,” he said at the presentation ceremony.

The win fetched Gift Willy N4.4 million of the N22 million total purse available for the 35 players that made the final cut.

Francis Epe settled for the runner-up position after closing out with 279 (66, 69, 73, 71), while Abubakar Mustapha placed third at the event with 282 (72, 73, 69, 68).

Speaking on the competition, Chief Executive of the sponsoring company, Keves Global Leasing Limited, Chief Ikenna Okafor, applauded the brilliance and the high level of competition at the fourth edition.

He said: “We had seven countries at this edition, and they all represent the best from each of these sides. Our goal is to set this event as a platform for African players to come and showcase their talent at the professional level.”

He said he is very happy that Willy won, describing him as one player who has shown dedication to the game and has contributed a lot in taking the CIO