Elsie Addo Awadzi urges women to take up golf as a social and recreational sport

The Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Elsie Addo Awadzi has urged women to take advantage of the game of golf to maintain their health and to expand their networks. 

Speaking at “The Corporate Woman and Golf: The Myths and Benefits of the Sport,” an event held at the Tang Palace Hotel in Accra, Mrs Addo Awadzi inspired attendees with her personal journey with golf and highlighted its transformative potential.

The event, organised by the Ghana Golf Association (GGA) in collaboration with The R&A, aimed to dispel common misconceptions about golf, showcasing the sport's numerous benefits for women, both professionally and personally. 

Mrs. Addo Awadzi began her keynote address by sharing how she was first introduced to the sport in 2004 by her late father, a passionate golfer.

Despite her early enthusiasm, Mrs Addo Awadzi’s golf journey was interrupted by family and career responsibilities. Her passion for the game was reignited a few years ago, with the encouragement of fellow golfers.

“Golf is not just about competition; it’s about promoting health, fitness, overall well-being and networking” Mrs Addo Awadzi intimated, underscoring the importance of the sport for overall well-being. She highlighted its physical benefits, noting that walking the golf course and swinging the golf club engage various parts of the body, improving health and fitness. “Golf is a refreshing way to stay active,” she said, adding that the sport also provides a therapeutic experience that relieves stress and promotes focus.

The Deputy Governor further encouraged women to view golf as an opportunity to build professional relationships and network in an informal setting. 

“We women tend to compartmentalise our lives, but golf shows us that sports and business can intersect effectively,” she remarked. She suggested women create supportive communities within the sport, sharing experiences and motivating each other to stay engaged.

Mrs. Addo Awadzi also proposed using golf as a platform for social impact. “Golf offers us a unique opportunity to give back while connecting with others,” she said, urging women to harness the sport's potential for positive change in society.

The event also featured insights from Dr Esther Amedzro, a seasoned golfer and pharmacist, who enumerated the physical and mental benefits of the sport.

Dr Amedzro explained that a round of golf involved walking up to six or more kilometres, engaging 17 different muscle groups, and burning over 1,500 calories. She emphasised how golf enhances cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and strategic thinking, skills that are transferable to the corporate world. 

“Golf fosters discipline, problem-solving, and mental focus,” she explained, dismissing the myth that the sport is expensive or inaccessible. “Golf is not just for men or the wealthy. 

With initiatives like the Women in Golf Charter, more women can access and thrive in this sport,” she added.

Adwoa Asare Asamoah, a businesswoman and an avid golfer, also shared her inspiring journey, describing how golf had impacted her personal and professional life. 

From her first experience with the Cal Bank Golf Academy in 2017, to her current handicap of 27, Mrs Asamoah's journey reflected the values of resilience, patience, and perseverance. “Golf has taught me that success takes time, focus, and persistence,” she said, drawing parallels between the sport and her career.

She also credited golf with providing networking opportunities that have advanced her professional life, particularly in her post-corporate career.

Leonard Kwaku Okyere, President of the GGA, wrapped up the event with an informative session on the fundamentals of golf. 

He demonstrated the use of the various types of clubs used in the sport and offered practical advice for beginners. Mr Okyere also highlighted golf’s ability to relieve stress, advising participants to enjoy the therapeutic nature of the game while remaining patient as they develop their skills.

The event concluded with a lively networking session where attendees had the opportunity to forge new connections and explore collaboration opportunities.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club , The R&A, is a leading body within the world of golf and engages and supports activities to ensure it is a thriving sport for all on a global scale.