BY JOE APU
The leadership of the Professional Golfers’ Association of Nigeria, PGAN, on Wednesday commended the exploits of Nigeria’s number one player Andrew Oche Odoh who finished joint 37th place at just concluded Eye of Africa PGA Championship held in South Africa.
Though, the championship was won by Erik van Rooyen who hit his approach to inside a foot in the first hole of a three-way play-off on Sunday to set himself up for birdie and victory in the R1.5-million Eye of Africa PGA Championship; General Manager of the PGAN, Mike Alika noted that Odoh made Nigeria proud with his performance.
“Odoh has made the PGAN proud with his performance in South Africa and thus giving Nigeria a presence in the world of golf. Having made the cut from the lot, he went on to finish a joint 37th place. We at the PGAN are excited with his performance and hope that more of our professionals would get sponsors to enable them play in major championships.”
The Nigerian tied at 286 scoring 76 65 72 73 with Steve Surry 69 72 71 74, Trevor Fisher Jnr 74 66 71 75 and Wil Bateman 74 67 68 77 in tow.
Erik van Rooyen finished regulation play with a birdie on 18 too, to finish on 16-under for the tournament together with Dylan Frittelli and Makhetha Mazibuko, who narrowly missed a par-putt on 18 in regulation which would have given him the victory. Last year’s runner-up Dean Burmester finished fourth after a disappointing round of one-over 73.
The victory was the first in his Sunshine Tour career which stretches back to 2013 when he gained his card at the Qualifying School. “It’s hard to describe,” he said of his feelings after the win.