By: Michael Okuley
Defending champion of the Goldfields PGA Golf Championship Kojo Barnni has set his sight on a successful defence of his title ahead of the event which tees off Wednesday 29, November 2023 in Darmang in the Western region.
Over 33 professional golfers are gearing up for the event which also marks the 10th anniversary since the creation of the championship. It is expected to attract foreign nine foreign regular pros from Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria vying for the coveted title in what promises to be a highly competitive event.
Kojo Barnni, the Tarkwa Golf Club’s defending champion, is set to face stiff competition from other professional golfers like Vincent Torgah, Emos Korblah, Lucky Ayisah, and Francis Torgah as he aims to protect his record of 3-time champion.
Ahead of the tournament, Kojo Barnni has expressed strong optimism to retain the holy grail.
“I know the competition will be tough. All eyes will be on me and I will be the target of my opponents with the main focus to destool me as the champion. With that in mind, I am well prepared for the task to ensure I make it back-to-back triumphs.”
During the opening ceremony, the Director of Operation of PGA Ghana Alhaji Ahmed Padori challenged the golfers to adhere to the tenets of the game which is fair play.
“The game like every other game has its own unique principles and that is fair play. So I will urge the participants to abide by them. Apart from the known or the favourites for this championship to be challenged. Apart from the defending champion and Vincent Toga, I expect the other 4 golfers to offer stiff competition to the event.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Organisation Committee Hans De Beer expressed delight in leading his charges to prepare the grounds and other innovations to host this year’s championship.
“We are privileged to work and prepare the grounds for the championship. The next 4 days are expected to be intense and we are really overwhelmed. This year we have included ladies and we believe this innovation will help nurture a of lot women for a professional competition”.
With the cash prize raised to GH₵385,000, with the regular pro champion now receiving GH₵80,000, a significant increase from the previous years, it is expected to spark the adrenaline of the tournament with the opening ceremony scheduled for Wednesday.
Innovatively, a platform has been created for women to participate in the 10th-anniversary event. This has seen 4 ladies going to compete amongst themselves in a bid to prepare them for future international golf tournaments.