Smokin Hills

Located outside the university town of Ilara-Mokin, close to the Ondo state capital of Akure, the Smokin Hills Golf Resort was developed by one of the nation’s top businessmen, Chief Michael Ade Ojo, the founder of Elizade Toyota Nigeria.

American architect Ron Garl was tasked with routing the fairways of this private facility around a formerly wooded, 140-acre landscape, where a practice area, driving range and par three course complement the main 18-hole layout.

Total Golf Construction – a company with extensive overseas experience in places like the Bahamas, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt – built the fully cart pathed course to USGA standards and it can be stretched to an eye watering 6,510 meters for tournament play.

The signature hole arrives late in the round at the 172-metre 16th but this devilish par three is worth waiting for because it demands a full carry across water to an island green, a challenge that’s reminiscent of the 17th at the TPC Sawgrass Stadium course.