Manasseh dazzles all to win 2nd Giti Golf Championship
Fast-rising Ghanaian professional golfer, Augustine Manasseh, has emerged winner of the second Giti Classic Golf Championship which came off at the Celebrity Golf Club, Sakumono, in Accra, on Saturday.
He beat off stiff competition from the best professional golfers in the country – Vincent Torgah and Kojo Banni to walk away with the ultimate trophy and a cash prize of GH¢12,000.
The competition, which was played over four days, saw the Centre of the World Golfer record 280 points to beat West Africa’s best golfer, Vincent Torgah – who had 281 points to finish second to walk away with a trophy and GH¢9,000 cash prize.
Another top golfer, Banni, also recorded 284 points to settle for the third position to walk home with GH¢7, 000 for his efforts in the Men’s Professionals division.
The event saw over 150 golfers (both men and ladies) from clubs across the country participating in the scratch, seniors and professionals events for attractive prizes at stake.
The winner after the event, told the Times Sports he was happy to come out tops against the best golfers in the country – after turning professional just about eight months ago.
“It was a very tough challenge, but I was determined to rise above all obstacles and become the best in the country, and possibly one of the best in the world,” he stated.
He added that he was focused on developing his profession in golf by constantly practising and participating in various competitions across the country.
“My next focus is the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) major championships this year and look forward to making a huge mark,” he stated.
The Sales Manager at Giti Tyres, the main sponsor for the event, Mr Wang Shu, congratulated the winners and participants for showing up for the second edition of the championship.
“It was a well-attended and highly competitive event and we look forward to the next edition which promises to be bigger considering the interest shown in this year’s competition.
“We are committed to using golf to promote a healthy lifestyle whilst providing the platform for professionals and young talents to excel,” he stressed.
He also praised Alphabet City Apartment for their support as they offered a two-bedroom apartment for the hole-in-one winner.
Chairman for the occasion, Mr Tang Hang, added that he was impressed with the commitment of players over the period, while commending the Celebrity Golf Club for their excellent organisation.
He called on corporate entities to come on board to support the next championship as they looked forward to increasing the numbers and prize money.
There were prizes for longest drive, closest to the pin, seniors, Ladies (Group A and B), Men (Group A and B), Men’s Scratch (Group A and B) as well as the Men’s Professional Seniors.
Prizes included trophies, television sets, air-conditioners, Huawei phones, car batteries and Giti tyres.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
