The Royal Golf Course in Kumasi came alive on Saturday as 72 amateur golfers from across the country converged for the third edition of the Stanbic Asantehene Golf Invitational Tournament, an event held in honour of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene.
The prestigious tournament attracted players from Kumasi, Obuasi, Tarkwa Nsuta, Accra (Achimota) and Tema (Sakumono Celebrity). Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ceremonially teed off the competition, playing four holes to officially open the event amid applause from players and spectators.
The tournament was played under the Stableford scoring system, which awards points based on performance relative to par, encouraging bold play while reducing the impact of poor holes.
In the seniors category, Gabriel Kwaku Okyere emerged overall winner with 33 Stableford points. He was closely followed by Kwashie Avemagah, who placed second with 32 points on a handicap of nine.
The Group B category delivered impressive performances, with Ben Baah clinching first place after recording 40 Stableford points on a 17 handicap.
Maxwell Danso Osei finished second with 35 points on a 23 handicap, while Chris Apau Opong secured third position with 32 points on a 24 handicap.
Competition in Group A was equally intense, as Benard Kwasi Dwomoh claimed first place with 38 Stableford points on an 11 handicap.
He edged past Bismark Ntiedu Dapaah, who also posted 38 points on a nine handicap, while Ekow Nyarko finished third with 38 points on a 10 handicap, highlighting the narrow margins that defined the contest.
Winners were presented with distinctive trophies featuring the symbol of the Manhyia Palace, crowned with a golf ball—an emblem many participants described as a unique blend of Asante heritage and sporting excellence.
The Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank, Kwamina Asomaning, expressed appreciation to the Asantehene for his consistent support in advancing golf development in Ghana.
He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to providing tailored financial solutions across critical sectors such as transportation, mining, oil and gas, and real estate, noting that these efforts align with Stanbic’s broader contribution to national development.
Earlier, Mawuko Afadzinu, Executive Head of Marketing at Stanbic Bank, disclosed that the institution has sponsored golf tournaments in honour of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for 17 consecutive years.
He described the Asantehene as an “illustrious leader and a source of inspiration” to many within Ghana and beyond.
He added that Stanbic’s sports sponsorship extends beyond golf to disciplines including swimming, cycling, table tennis and arm wrestling, reflecting the Bank’s comprehensive approach to sports development.
Also commending the initiative, Head of Operations at the Royal Golf Club, Prof. Bernard Kofi Badu, praised Stanbic Bank for its sustained investment in golf.
He noted that the technical appeal of the Stableford system, the cultural significance of the awards and the Bank’s multi-sectoral vision combined to make the tournament a standout event on Ghana’s sporting calendar.
The tournament not only showcased golfing excellence but also reinforced the growing partnership between traditional authority, corporate responsibility and community development.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
