Inaugural Open Golf at Achimota tomorrow

The chairman of the Planning Committee of the refurbished Achimota Golf Course, Kwesi Amoafo Yeboah, says tomorrow’s Inaugural Open will be an epoch-making feat in the annals of Ghana golf.

He told the Daily Graphic that after a year’s work on the pitch by Paul McGinley Design, one of the finest golf course designers in the world, the course was ready to host the best golfers on the continent.

Among the over 200 golf players teeing off tomorrow at the Achimota Golf Course are 40 golfers from Nigeria, six from Gabon, three from Senegal, six from Togo who will battle for the trophy at stake and a South Africa Airways ticket to Washington and Johanessburg.

According ot the organisers, President John Mahama is expected to grace the occasion as the special guest of honour during the final presentation luncheon on sunday.

Also in attendance will be past presidents of the Achimota Club, including Naval Capt K.A. Butah, Mike Ezan, Nana Atta Nyamekye, as well as past captains such as Prof. C.C. Adomako. Kwame Saarah-Mensah and F.A. Amoah

Some of the leading names in Ghana golf and some of the country’s business titans such as Jeff Abeasi, Sir Sam Jonah, Frank Adu, Mark Cofie, Charles Cofie,  Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin and Felix Owusu-Agyapong are expected to the event.

A tough competition is expected in the women’s event which features a strong field of veteran and young golfers such as Adelaide Owusu-Agyapong, Betty Vetsch-Bempong, Jessica Tei, Mona Myers-Lamptey (Mona Captan), Sussie Abaloo, Esther Antwi, Jessy Ababio and Margaret Owusu-Baah.

The captain of the course, Frank Adu Jnr, told the Daily Graphic all was set for the thriller and the competition would also witness a blend of old and new executives of the Achimota Golf Course.

According to the competition rules, handicap allowance for the men would be 24 and below while that of the ladies would be 30 and below.