The ninth edition of the Gold Fields Professional Golfers Association (PGA) championship is set to tee off from Wednesday, November 30 to Saturday, December 3 at the Damang Golf Club, organisers have announced.
This year’s event would mark the return to the championship of eight foreign based players; a feature intended to give the championship an international appeal but was scrapped following the break out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
They will be joined by 24 Ghanaian professionals to compete for a mouthwatering cash prize of GH¢50,000.
At a press conference to announce the event, Mr. Joshua Mortoti, Executive Vice President of Gold Fields
West Africa commended the PGA for its commitment towards the success of the events.
He disclosed that an amount of GH¢336,500 has been set aside as prize money, marking a sharp increase from the previous edition’s GH¢172,000.
Mr. Mark Coffie, President of the PGA also explained at the press conference on Friday that the 24 Ghanaians
emerged the best from four mini tournament played within the year as qualifiers for the main championship.
He said the foreign based players would be expected from Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Zimbabwe, Senegal, and Gabon.
The event, he said, would also create a platform for 16 senior golfers to be involved in the championship.
Mr Coffie added that the regular pros would play for four days but would be cut to 24 after the first two days; the same with senior pros who would also play for three days but reduced to eight after the second day.
Mr Hans De-Beer, Chairman of the Organising Committee, stated the course’s readiness to host the biggest golf championship in the country.
“The Damang course is currently in a very good shape and ready for the tournament. Golfers will enjoy a very good atmosphere conducive for the sport.
He said the hosting of the Ghana Open about a fortnight ago earned many plaudits from the players and they have since worked to improve the surface.
BY ANDREW NORTEY
