Amartey Sorgbodjor, 13, stuns field to claim Men's Group A bragging rights at Surveyors' Golf Tournament
A 13-year-old schoolboy stole the thunder from seasoned campaigners when the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) held its 21st Surveyors' Week & 57th Annual Meeting Maiden Golf Tournament at Celebrity Golf Club last Saturday.
Charles Amartey Sorgbodjor produced a composed round of golf to win the Men's Group A category, reserved for players with handicap indexes up to 12.3, finishing ahead of a field of vastly more experienced golfers. His gross score of 80, combined with a handicap of 14, gave him a winning net score of 66.
In an interview after his victory, the teenager could barely hide his excitement. "I was delighted to have won the competition and pipped much more experienced golfers," he said. Revealing the depth of his passion for the sport, Amartey Sorgbodjor added, "I have been playing golf since turning three and am looking forward to becoming a professional golfer in the future."
His victory was one of several standout performances across the various categories contested on the day.
In the overall Men's category, which combined both groups, Michael Okyere emerged as the best performer after storming to victory in Group B with a net score of 61. Okyere's round included a gross 88 and a handicap of 27. Tony Nitador finished second in Group B with a net 65, while Mathew Teye placed third with a net 67 after a countback.
The Ladies' Open saw Stella Addo produce a commanding display to take top honours with a net score of 51, thanks to a gross 103 and a hefty handicap of 52. Dora Boateng settled for second place with a net 64, whilst Letitia Amponsah-Mensah completed the podium positions with a net score of 69.
In the Seniors Ladies division, Esther Antwi claimed victory with a net score of 73. The Seniors Men category was won by Samuel Osei-Bediako, whose net 70 was enough to edge out James Otoo, who finished second on net 72. Felix Sacktie Crabbe took third place in that section with a net score of 77.
Kofi Obeng-Ayirebi, the President of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors, explained that the decision to host the tournament formed part of a broader strategy to align the institution's activities with the sport. He drew direct parallels between the work of surveyors and the game of golf.
"At designated places, at times we do field work, walk around to give us a lot more energy to start the process of celebrating the Surveyors' Week, but this year, we decided to select the golf course as a partnership because our field research has given us some sense of knowledge that the work of a golf club is similar to what they do here," Obeng-Ayirebi stated.
He continued: "What they do here, our work is precision. Golf too is precision. Our work is measurement. Golf too, they do a lot of measurement, even in hitting the ball, very precise, and know exactly where you're going. That's the work of a surveyor and we believe we probably will have to work with them."
The GhIS President also highlighted the networking benefits the sport offers, which he said had exceeded expectations. "In addition, as an icing on the cake is the networking aspect of golf. We realise what we used to do, we try to warm ourselves up, and that's why everybody goes, but here, in addition to walking, in addition to hitting the ball, in addition to all the things that you need as a golfer, the networking is a guys' activity. We sit down. We know new people. Our businesses have been very worth it."
He expressed confidence that the tournament would become a permanent fixture on the institution's calendar. "That's why, as an institution, we have decided to analyse it. We want, God willing, next year, if Jesus tarries, He will come again here, because of the benefit some of us have seen, coming here just for today. So it's very worth it."
A total of 55 cards were processed in the men's category, comprising 14 players in Group A and 41 in Group B, underlining the strong turnout for the maiden event.
