Willy Wins 4th CIO Classic, Pockets Tour’s Biggest Prize Money for 2023

Homeboy Gift Willy upstaged Nigeria’s number one golfer, Francis Epe,  three-day leader of the 4th CIO Classic, to lift the prestigious title at the Python Golf Club, Port Harcourt Rivers State at the weekend.

Willy put up a commanding performance despite the pressure, and the rain that halted third-round, leading to  pile up for a 27-hole, nerve-wrecking closing day. 

Willy fired 68 to clear-out all contenders at 11-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,” disclosed Willy at the prize presentation ceremony.

The win fetched Gift Willy N4.4 million of the total 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).

Chief Ikenna Okafor, Chief Executive of the sponsoring company, Keves Global Leasing Limited, 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.”

Chief Okafor stressed that  he is very happy that Gift Willy won as he sees him as one player who has shown dedication to the game and has contributed a lot in making the CIO Classics reach the height it has attained today.

The CIO Classic teed off on Sunday, November 5th with a Kids event that involved the Junior members of the Python Golf Club. Caddies had their round on Monday, November 6 while the professionals took to the field on Wednesday for a 72-hole round that ended on Saturday, November 11.

Amateur players, including gentlemen, ladies, and veterans rounded off the event yesterday.