Sunday Olapade: Rising Star of Nigerian Golf

sunday olapade

Golf might not be the first sport that comes to mind when you think of Nigeria, but Sunday Olapade is changing that narrative one swing at a time. A talented professional golfer from Abeokuta, Ogun State, Olapade has steadily climbed the ranks in the African golf scene, earning accolades and putting Nigeria on the map in a sport traditionally dominated by Western nations. This 1500-word article dives into his biography, age, net worth, career highlights, family life, and other key details that define this remarkable athlete.


Biography: The Making of a Golfer

Sunday Olapade was born on April 15, 1990, in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, Nigeria. Growing up in a bustling city known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, Olapade’s early years were shaped by a supportive community and a knack for sports. While football reigns supreme in Nigeria, Olapade found his calling in golf—a sport less common but growing in popularity thanks to pioneers like him.

Details about his childhood are sparse, as Olapade tends to keep his personal life private, focusing public attention on his professional achievements. However, it’s clear that his journey into golf began at a young age, likely sparked by access to local courses or mentorship from early influencers in Nigeria’s golfing community. Abeokuta, with its proximity to Lagos—Nigeria’s economic hub—offered opportunities for young talents like Olapade to explore sports beyond the mainstream.

He’s a proud Nigerian, carrying the green and white flag with every tournament he plays. His rise reflects not just personal ambition but also a broader push to elevate golf in Africa, where the sport is gaining traction among younger generations.


Age: Still in His Prime

Sunday Olapade is 34 years old. Born in 1990, he’s at an age where many golfers hit their peak, combining physical prowess with seasoned experience. For Olapade, these mid-30s are proving to be a golden period, with recent victories showcasing his ability to compete at high levels. Golf is a sport where longevity matters—legends like Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus thrived well into their 40s—so Olapade’s career trajectory suggests he’s got plenty more to offer.


Career: From Local Links to Regional Stardom

Sunday Olapade’s golf career is a story of grit, talent, and breaking barriers. He turned professional in his early 20s, joining the ranks of Nigeria’s growing cadre of golfers. His base at the Ibadan Golf Club in Oyo State became his training ground, where he honed his skills and built a reputation as a formidable player.

Early Days and Breakthrough

Olapade’s professional journey kicked off with local tournaments in Nigeria, where he quickly stood out. Golf in Nigeria isn’t as well-funded or publicized as football or athletics, so players like Olapade often rely on raw talent and determination. His breakthrough came when he started competing in regional events across West Africa, earning prize money and recognition.

One of his early notable achievements was winning the 2018 Gold Fields PGA Championship in Ghana. This victory wasn’t just a personal milestone—it marked him as a contender on the African golf circuit. Beating out a field of experienced players, Olapade pocketed $8,300 and signaled his intent to dominate.

Recent Success: The Safari Tour and Beyond

Fast forward to 2024, and Olapade’s career hit a new high. He clinched the Safari Tour Series Order of Merit title in Kenya, a prestigious achievement that solidified his status as one of Africa’s top golfers. The Safari Tour, a key feeder for the DP World Tour (Europe’s elite golf circuit), is a big deal—it’s a proving ground for talent across the continent. Olapade’s win came after a stellar season, including a victory at the Safari Tour Grand Finale at Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa, where he finished with a score of -12 (272) over four rounds, beating Kenya’s Dismas Indiza by four strokes.

This triumph earned him $11,000 and a spot in the Magical Kenya Open, a DP World Tour event held in February 2025. It’s a huge step—playing alongside global pros like Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa puts Olapade on an international stage. His consistency throughout the 2023/2024 Safari Tour season, with top finishes like second place at Limuru and third at Sigona, shows he’s not a fluke but a force to be reckoned with.

Playing Style and Strengths

Olapade’s game is built on precision and power. Observers note his strong drives and steady putting, skills that shine on the challenging courses of the Safari Tour. His ability to stay cool under pressure—like during the final round in Mombasa—sets him apart. At 34, he’s got the physicality to compete with younger players and the experience to outsmart veterans.


Net Worth: Cashing In on Talent

Estimating Sunday Olapade’s net worth isn’t an exact science, since he’s not a global superstar with public financial records like Tiger Woods. But let’s break it down. As of 2025, his net worth is likely in the range of $100,000 to $300,000, based on his tournament earnings, sponsorships, and potential endorsements.

  • Tournament Winnings: His 2018 Gold Fields win netted him $8,300, and the 2024 Safari Tour Grand Finale added $11,000. Other top finishes—like $7,000 for second at Limuru—push his career earnings past $50,000 from prize money alone.
  • Sponsorships: Olapade’s growing profile has attracted local sponsors. For instance, during the 2024 Custodian Classic in Lagos, he was backed by Custodian Investments Plc, suggesting he’s tapping into Nigeria’s corporate support for sports.
  • Future Potential: If he performs well at the Magical Kenya Open, his earnings could jump significantly—top finishes in DP World Tour events can pay out six figures.

Compared to PGA Tour stars like Scottie Scheffler ($24 million in 2022 alone), Olapade’s wealth is modest. But in Nigeria’s golf scene, where resources are limited, he’s doing alright. Plus, his net worth isn’t just cash—it’s the legacy he’s building for African golf.


Family: Roots and Support

Sunday Olapade keeps his family life private, a common trait among athletes who want to shield loved ones from public scrutiny. There’s no confirmed info on whether he’s married or has kids, but it’s safe to assume his family in Abeokuta has been a backbone of support. Growing up in a Yoruba-speaking community, he likely draws strength from cultural values of resilience and community.

His parents’ names and occupations aren’t public, but their influence is evident in his grounded demeanor. Golf isn’t cheap—clubs, travel, and training cost money—so they must have sacrificed to get him started. Whether he’s got siblings or a wife cheering him on, Olapade’s focus remains on the fairway, not family headlines.


Other Relevant Info: The Man Behind the Clubs

Physical Stats

Olapade’s exact height and weight aren’t widely reported, but he’s got the build of a modern golfer—lean, strong, and agile. Think somewhere around 5’10” to 6’0” (178–183 cm) and 160–180 lbs (73–82 kg), based on typical pro golfer physiques. His athleticism shines through in his long drives and stamina over four-day tournaments.

Personality and Faith

He’s described as calm and focused, traits that serve him well in a sport demanding mental toughness. Religion-wise, Nigeria’s a mix of Christianity and Islam, and Ogun State leans Christian. Olapade hasn’t spoken publicly about his faith, but it’s possible he’s Christian, given the region’s demographics.

Recent Results (2024/2025)

  • Safari Tour Grand Finale (Dec 2024): 1st place, -12 (272), $11,000.
  • Limuru Safari Tour: 2nd place, $7,000.
  • Sigona Safari Tour: 3rd place.
  • Custodian Classic (Lagos, 2024): Top finish (exact rank unclear, but praised by organizers).

Why Sunday Olapade Matters

Sunday Olapade isn’t just a golfer—he’s a trailblazer. In a country where footballers like Victor Osimhen (net worth $10 million) dominate sports headlines, Olapade’s success proves there’s room for other talents to shine. He’s inspiring kids in Abeokuta and beyond to pick up a club instead of a ball, and his wins on the Safari Tour are boosting golf’s profile across Africa.

At 34, with a net worth creeping toward the hundreds of thousands, he’s not a billionaire athlete—yet. But his journey from Ibadan Golf Club to the DP World Tour is about more than money. It’s about pride, perseverance, and putting Nigeria on the global golf map. Keep an eye on Sunday Olapade—he’s just getting started.

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