Golf is Life – Best female Golfer 2012

Beatrice Vetsch-Bempong is undoubtedly a hallmark of consistency and competiveness in her golfing exploits, and she gets better as she gets older. At 59 years, Vetsch has posted amazing career victories since 1998, and 2012 was yet another exciting for her.

The management of the premier Achimota Golf Club having recognized her deep-seated contributions to golf in Ghana, and duly awarded her as Best Female Golfer of the year 2012 during the President’s Putter Tournament on 29th December 2012.

In an exclusive interview with The Golfer newspaper, affable Vetsch said, “Golf is for people from all walks of life; all you need is your interest, will, and perseverance – No age limit. Golf is Life.”

Below is an excerpt of the interview. Enjoy!

Victory normally brings lots of joy, in your case how expressive are you of this special recognition and how does winning the overall Lady Golfer of the year award mean to you?

Indeed,I’m overjoyed and humbled at the same time. Of all my tournaments winnings the overall best Lady Golfer of the year has brought me a very special feeling. This surpassed all the winnings since 1998 till date, I thank the management of AGC and all involved in my success.

Looking back in the year 2012, what particular win came to you as a surprise? Of course, the Best Female Golfer of the year is as historic as it issurprising. Your name mostly found its way at the leaderboard, how challenging was it having to keep the pace of winning tournaments?

It was a miracle to be found mostly at the top in tournaments. At my age of 59 yrs I do not expect much from sports except to enjoy it. Still I decided that if I’m paying to play in a tournament I might as well prepare well for it. Keep on practicing – one never knows.

2012 was obviously a good year for you, do we expect same from you in 2013 and how do you intend to achieve such feats?

2012 was a very good year for me. In 2013 I will still keep at it. Practicing for the exercise and hoping for the best.

Anytime you found yourself playing any course outside Accra, how do you assess your play on such courses? Playing on any new course apart from your own is always questioning. How is it going to come out? One has to be brave, practice before the tournament day and attack the course.

Kindly share with us some of the notable trophies you won in 2012. In 2012 the most notable trophies won in tournaments were the 1. 62nd Accra Open (Achimota), 2.Presidents’ Putter, Tafo Golf Club 3. CAL Bank Invitational(Achimota) 4. Ghana Seniors Amateur Open (Bok Nam Kim), 5. UT Bank Match Play at AGC, etc.

As an ardent golfer with rich golfing experience, what will you suggest is done to keep the vibrancy of the game high and attract even more sponsorship? As an ardent golfer with rich golfing experience, I would suggest that at every tournament a corporate body is invited to take part in the game or be part of prize giving ceremonies. The Club could also visit the corporations by appointment and introduce them to the game and also request for sponsorships. What is the weirdest thing you did as a ploy in order to have an opportunity or excuse to play golf?

The weirdest thing? I would always say I have a business meeting and that would release me from whatever I am doing.

Share with us any other information you so wish to share.

Golf is for people from all walks of life, all you need is your interest, will, and perseverance – No age limit. Golf is Life.

Compiled by Collins Oppong