Ghana Golf Association hold workshop for journalist on reporting on golf

The Ghana Golf Association (GGA) on Friday, October 25, 2024, held a workshop for some sports journalists on the intricacies involved in reporting on golf competitions.

The event, held at the Bok Nam Kim Golf Club, aimed at addressing some gaps in reportage on golf.

Participants were given practical lessons on how to play golf, details to enrich their coverage of the sport, and a tour of the 8-hole course at Bok Nam Kim.

During the tour, reporters were briefed on the significance of man-made and natural obstacles to golf competitions, including bunkers and trees on the course.

Solomon Allotey, Honorary Secretary and Tournament Director, who was the tour guide, noted that golfers are made to beat the obstacles and their opponents, which depicts the uniqueness of the sport.

He also provided the reporters with commonly used terminologies, encouraging them to become acquainted with the words.

Some of the terms used included loft, swing, handicap, sub-par, over par, draw, and a few others.

Speaking at the event, GGA President Leonard Kwaku Okyere debunked the notion that golf is a rich man's sport, indicating that it is rather "a game of integrity."

"Golf is not a rich man’s game. In golf, you come, change, and go straight onto the course. Nobody will ask you to wait. Whatever time you come, you can play. The only thing is that you can’t play at night."

"Golf is a game of integrity. It reveals a player’s true character, including weaknesses, integrity, and temperament."

He added that the sport is on the rise in Ghana, hence the need to empower reporters to contribute to its growth by telling intriguing stories from the game.

"Golf is a rapidly growing sport in Ghana, and we recognize the critical role media plays in its development. This seminar demonstrates our commitment to empowering journalists to tell compelling golf stories, promoting the sport’s growth and popularity."

The GGA announced the forthcoming four championships, which include the Asantehene Open Golf Championship (Kumasi), Ghana Open Golf Championship (Kumasi), Accra Golf Championship, and Tafo Golf Open Championship (Tafo).