The West Coast Golf Championship (Road to Damang), a prestigious elite golf tournament, has been slated for August 21-23, 2024 at the Celebrity Golf Clubin Sakumono-Accra.
The event is expected to draw professional golfers from clubs across the country, with high stakes and the challenge of competing on a new course fuelling intense training among players
This follows the successful second edition tournament held at Damang Golf Club in the Western Region. It marks the third in a series of pre-qualifiers leading up to the main game in November.
Intense preparations are underway at the Celebrity Golf Club in Sakumono, Accra, as it gears up to host the next Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) tournament.
With some male golfers still vying for qualification in the main tournament, preparations at various clubs have intensified as they aim to cut by August 23. Meanwhile, several female golfers gradually establishing themselves in the professional scene will also compete, showcasing their skills during the three-day event at Sakumono.
Some women who participated in the previous Damang tournament are eager to impress golf enthusiasts once again.
Director of Operations-Professional Golfers’ Association Alhaji Ahmed Padori emphasised that behind-the-scenes preparations are in full swing to ensure the competition’s success. He encouraged all golfers to prepare thoroughly, as this tournament will serve as vital practice ahead of the main event in November.
Alhaji Padori also expressed the PGA’s gratitude to Goldfields for their significant support over the past decade, which he believes has greatly contributed to the growth of golf in Ghana. He also extended thanks to executives of Celebrity Golf Club for providing their course and facilities for the competition.
The Legends Tour
In November, top-notch international golfers -boasting illustrious careers with notable achievements such as victories in the Ryder Cup and Major tournaments, coupled with extensive global playing experience – will descend on the Achimota course to compete with top Ghanaian golfers at the Legends Tour Ghana competition. It marks a significant milestone as the prestigious competition makes its inaugural stop in Africa.
Already, officials of the club, the Ghana Golf Association (GGA) and PGA Ghana are confident the competition will be pivotal to the sport’s development in Ghana, positioning the country and Achimota golf club, in particular, as a golfing destination.
With collaboration from institutions such as the Ghana Investment Promotions Council (GIPC) and Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Legends Tour promises to be more than just a sporting spectacle; it aligns with a broader mission to establish and provide a platform for business and sports tourism.
Golfing in Ghana
Ghana, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant landscapes, is increasingly making a name for itself in the world of golf. While soccer has long been the country’s dominant sport, golf is gaining popularity and making significant strides on the sporting scene.
Golf is more than just a game; it’s a reflection of discipline, precision and strategic thinking. In Ghana, golf’s emergence of as a popular sport has contributed to the holistic development of individuals and communities.
As golf gains popularity, it attracts investments in infrastructure, golf courses and associated facilities. This in turn stimulates economic growth by creating job opportunities, promoting tourism and enhancing the overall business environment.
Furthermore, golf fosters a sense of community and social engagement. Tournaments and events bring people together, providing a platform for networking and building lasting relationships. The golfing community then becomes a hub for individuals from diverse backgrounds to connect and share experiences.
Golf is a sport that promotes physical activity and mental well-being. Playing golf requires walking significant distances, providing players with exercise and an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. The game’s strategic nature also engages the mind, promoting cognitive health.
The rise of golf in Ghana has led to increased efforts at introducing it to the younger generation. Golf teaches valuable life skills such as patience, discipline and sportsmanship. Initiatives aimed at youth development through golf are helping shape the character of future leaders.
Corporate entities like the Bank of Africa (BOA)-Ghana, MTN Ghana and several others have contributed significantly to of the sports’ development – from investment in facilities to sponsoring and organising it together with the GGA and PGA as well as facility managers.
The Achimota Golf Course, Celebrity Golf Club in Sakumono and the Bok Nam Kim Golf Course at El-Wak, Accra, are some of the top locations bustling with golf on an almost daily basis.
