Story by Michael Okuley
The Professional Golfers Association has unveiled activities for the 10th anniversary of the PGA Championship to be staged later this month.
During a press briefing on November 17, 2023, in Accra, Joshua Mortoti, Executive Vice President and Head of Gold Fields West Africa, unveiled plans for the 10th-anniversary edition of the Gold Fields PGA Golf Championship.
Set to unfold from November 29 to December 2 at the Damang Golf Course, this milestone event guarantees thrilling enhancements and an augmented prize pool.
Mortoti disclosed that the upcoming championship would showcase the talents of thirty-three Ghanaian regular pros and nine foreign regular pros hailing from Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria. All competitors will vie for the coveted 10th anniversary champion title in what promises to be a highly competitive event.
Furthermore, the tournament will welcome 18 senior pros, comprising 17 Ghanaians and one Nigerian, who have been extended invitations to participate.
A noteworthy feature of this year’s competition is the inclusion of the inaugural group of aspiring female golf professionals. Over three days, these women will demonstrate their skills, competing for recognition through trophies. While cash prizes won’t be awarded, Mortoti expressed optimism that the experience gained will contribute to their advancement and success within the realm of golf.
The Tarkwa Golf Club’s defending champion, Kojo Barnni, is set to encounter formidable competition from professional golfers like Vincent Torgah, Emos Korblah, Lucky Ayisah, and Francis Torgah. The championship’s total cash prize has been raised to ₵385,000, with the regular pro champion now receiving ₵80,000, a significant increase from the previous year’s ₵60,000. Similarly, the senior pro champion will enjoy an enhanced prize of ₵25,000, up from ₵20,000 in 2022.
Since its inception in 2014, Gold Fields, the headline sponsor, has played a pivotal role in fostering golf talent not only in Ghana but also across Africa. Despite facing challenges, including the 2020 pandemic, the tournament has consistently upheld its position as one of Ghana’s premier golf championships.
Highlighting the championship’s continued expansion, Mortoti hinted at the PGA’s forthcoming announcement of a major sponsor for future tournaments, further solidifying the event’s prominence in the country.
Recognising the unwavering support from sponsors like Engineers and Planners, Genser Energy, Total Energies, Gaso Petroleum, Liebherr Ghana, Carmeuse, Barbex, Classic Cristken, and AECI Ghana, Mortoti expressed sincere appreciation for their enduring partnership.
He underscored the pivotal role played by the media in advancing golf in Ghana, extending gratitude for their consistent coverage. Mortoti urged the media to continue shining a spotlight on Ghanaian pro golfers, contributing to their success on the global stage. The press conference concluded with Mortoti expressing heartfelt thanks to all stakeholders, sponsors, and the media, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated celebration of the championship’s 10th anniversary.
