Golfer List aims to represent Ghana at international games
Promising golfer, Danny List, has expressed a desire to represent Ghana at the upcoming Los Angeles Olympic Games.
If that happens, List will become the first Ghanaian to make an appearance in golf at the Olympics.
Born in Georgia, USA, to an Australian father and a Ghanaian mother, List currently plays for Australian but is in the process of switching to compete under the Ghana flag.
He said this at a media engagement at the Accra Sports Stadium last week.
Last month, List was presented with the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption, an honour bestowed on him by golf legend, Tiger Woods, for the advancement of diversity in the game of golf.
The recognition powered him to a maiden PGA Tour, joining a field of 72 golfers at the leading US tour, The Genesis Invitational golf tournament at Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course), San Diego.
List told the media that having that recognition, especially in Mr Sifford’s legacy, means the world to him, and for Tiger Woods entrusting him with the opportunity to represent Mr Sifford’s pioneering spirit and all that he’s done for the game of golf was one he believes will push him to attain greater things in the sport.
“Making the PGA Tour debut is a dream come true for me, and I hope to build on it and make a mark.”
Explaining his intended nationality switch, he noted that as a citizen of both Australia and Ghana, he feels he can serve Ghana and the juniors better; hence, his decision.
“I am really looking for better inspiration by offering the possibility of seeing the Ghana flag on top of leaderboards at major championships across the world, including the Olympic Games, where I want to represent Ghana one day.”
According to him, he is currently going through the process of switching nationality and cannot wait to have this become a reality,” he stated.
The 26-year-old acknowledged that Ghana was blessed with natural athleticism and a great talent pool when it comes to sports and especially golf; however, the lack of investment and right resources is what is hampering the proper development of the sport.
“It is my ultimate desire to help raise the golfing profile of the country, and in my own small way, through my Danny List Foundation, we have already assisted about 40 young golfers in the country by offering coaching, equipment, and opportunities to compete in top-level junior tournaments abroad,” he added
He hinted at holding a junior golf clinic likely in August to continue with his developmental agenda.
List is currently in South Africa for the next DP World Tour championship, the Joburg Open at the Houghton Golf Course, which takes place from March 6-9.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
