It was Emos Korblah’s name they were all singing again Sunday afternoon at the
Achimota Golf Club as the 62nd Accra open climaxed with the richest man in this
country in tow.
Sir Sam Jonah, OSG, was the special guest of honour at Ghana’s biggest golf
tournament which fittingly, gave out its biggest ever prize money to the winner of
the main event and a brand new Jaguar also on offer for a hole-in-one play, albeit
which no one could.
“It was a pleasant invitation to be guest of honour but I received it with some
regret. As you know, I’ve hit hard times so I wanted to win the Jaguar to appease
myself. So I saw the invitation as a communist informal tactic to get me out of the
race,” Sir Jonah joked before proceeding with his closing remarks.
The Chancellor of University of Cape Coast continued: “Golf is about honesty,
integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, perseverance, fairness, patience,
endurance and justice. It is a privilege to be the guest of honour for what has been
a leading tournament that has over the years always brought together the best
golfers in our country and sub-region.”
And the very best of Ghana’s professional golfers were on parade for a tough battle
but which in the end, had just one winner. Emos Korblah nicknamed the Landlord for
his endless streak of wins in the major golf tournaments in Ghana, was back top of
the podium as he did last year.
Korblah totalled 281 playing over four days to beat into 2nd placed Vincent Torgah
by a massive 7 shots to claim the unprecedented cash prize of GH¢15,000. Torgah was
the same golfer Korblah defeated to claim the Ghana Open crown barely three weeks
ago added to the Tema Open 2012 which he also won, with some golf enthusiasts
calling for his ban from competing.
“It’s a very great day, I’m so happy. There is no way anybody can ban me, it’s never
done in sports. They have to work hard to knock me off, I’m going nowhere because
I’m not tired of winning. Today’s victory is also very special being the defending
champion, it’s just fantastic and I’m so happy,” Korblah
told www.sportsinghana.com right on the Achimota golf course after receiving his
winning cheque.
Runner-up Torgah took home GH¢8,000 with joint-third S.K. Klah and Kojo Barnni
sharing GH¢4,000 each in a total prize pool of GH¢45,000 for the professionals field
alone in a demonstration of the prizes and giveaway galore at the 2012 Accra Open
that gave winners in five categories return Virgin Atlantic airtickets.
MTN, Virgin Atlantic, Doscar Travel and Tours, McGinley Design, Kinross, Guinnes
Breweries Ghana, PZ Cussons, Fairlop Ghana, to name a few, all sponsored several
award categories, which saw many golfers departing for home with trophies and
souvenirs.
Yao Dogbe won the 0-5 handicap category which had prizes for the top 6, Men’s Gross
division rewarded the top 3 as David Eustance won whilst the Men’s Handicap category
saw A. Ghandour crowned champion of three prize winners.
Tema Open cum Ghana Open champ Jessica Tei underlined her billing as Ghana’s number
one female golfer with victory in the Ladies’ Scratch event after beating Mercy
Wermer and Cynthia Nyantakyi into 2nd and 3rdspots respectively.
Ladies Handicap’s top prize was taken by B. Vetsch-Bempong who returned 151 net
playing over two days to beat Felicity Okyei-Gyeabour into 2nd and Clara Price in
3rd place.
Yaw Asa Sam topped the Seniors’ male division which saw Dr. Paul Ayim finish second
whilst Esi Cobbinah won the ladies category.
There was also a youth tournament which rewarded the top three teenagers with trophy
and home theatre set each whilst brave young Felix Quarshie grossed 54 over 9 holes
to win the special competition for players between 8 and 10 years old.
In conclusion, Rene Kwame-Gameli, Captain of the Achimota Golf Club, was beside
himself with gratitude and joy for hosting another incredibly successful Accra Open.
Mr. Gameli-Kwame also revealed the support of Tullow Oil in developing a newly
designed golf course in Achimota which will start use beginning next year and big
plans for the youth.
“With this infrastructure in place, golf in Ghana will only get better and be
projected internationally as we begin to host more internationally rated golf
tournaments in Achimota. Our motivation is to make professional golf more
competitive and appealing to the younger generation as well as attract international
participation,” Mr. Kwame-Gameli said.
He added a pledge: “Youth and junior golf development in our club remains one of the
most important areas of our focus. Effective next year 2013, Achimota shall organize
and host the boys and girls junior championship which will become an annual event on
our calendar.”
