Nigeria’s Pedro is world’s third best junior golfer

NIGERIA’S number one junior player (Boys), Tokunbo ‘Toks’ Pedro, on Wednesday braved all odds to emerge the third best junior player at the World Junior Series, which featured players from across the world at the Slammer & Squire Course, World Golf Village, St. Augustine U.S.

Toks, son of former Lagos State Governor, Femi Pedro, who was his caddy at the event, shot 1 over (+3, -3, +1) in the 54-hole competition that featured players from 23 countries.

Home-boy, Andrew Alligood, won the competition, while James Lombardo of Germany was second.

The WJGS hosts sanctioned golf events around the world designed to enrich young golfers, patrons, and sponsors lives by creating a unique competitive experience.

Each WJGS event ensures the junior golfer has the opportunity to not only compete with the best juniors in the world, but also to learn about the physical, mental, and technical aspects of their game through educational seminars and individualized help offered at each event.

It features the best junior players from age 12 to 19.

Pedro was Nigeria’s sole candidate at the championship, which featured 23 other countries and ran from December 28 to 30.

An elated secretary of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Taiwo Oriss, told The Guardian that Pedro’s feat was an indication that the country was gradually joining the elite class of the sport.

According to Oriss, “Pedro’s feat has taken Nigeria up the golf ladder. But I am not actually surprised because as captain of the Nigerian junior golf team, he led the country to a gold medal and a silver at the last Africa Youth Games in Gaborone, Botswana in 2014.

“Repeating this feat in the World Junior Golf Championship in Florida, U.S., shows that Nigeria is on the right track.”

Andrew Alligood shot a 6-under-par 66 to finish the three rounds at 14 under and win the event for the second year in a row.

James Lombardo of Germany finished second at 3-under 213 (73-70-70).