In a victory speech that resonated more with concern than celebration, Isaac Amoako-Mensah, winner of the Group A category at the Celebrity Golf Club’s Captain’s Prize 2025 Men’s tournament, issued a stark warning about the future of the course, suggesting this might be one of the last major tournaments held at the facility if government intervention does not occur.Â
The event, which saw strong participation across men’s and ladies’ categories this past Saturday, October 4, was overshadowed by the champion’s sobering remarks.
Amoako-Mensah, who carded a superb net 67 (78 gross minus 11 handicap) to claim the Group A title, expressed his profound concern immediately after receiving his prize. He stated: “Well, I must say, It’s glorious to win the captain’s prize for any of the golf courses in the world. I’m happy. I’m happy we won. Let me say I’m happy I won. But I think the nation needs to take a serious look at what is happening at our golf courses today.”
The champion golfer specifically highlighted the rampant encroachment problems plaguing the Celebrity Golf Club, noting: “I won here today, but I don’t think in the next three, four years, if the government doesn’t come to the aid of celebrity, this cause will still be alive. And I say that because I believe you went to hole two, you’ve been to hole one, you’ve been to hole 13, you’ve been to 14, and you’ve seen the encroachment happening daily.”Â
His emotional speech concluded with the worrying prediction that “if the government doesn’t come to our aid very soon, those of us who come here to exercise… may not have it again.”
While Amoako-Mensah’s concerns dominated post-tournament discussions, the competition itself produced outstanding performances across categories. In the overall Men’s standings, Kester Okundaye from Group C emerged as the clear champion with a dominant net score of 63 (89 gross minus 26 handicap), followed by Kojo Atta Ayetey from Group C in second place with a net 67, and Amoako-Mensah himself taking third overall.
The Ladies’ competition saw Patricia Adusei-Poku from Group B crowned overall winner with an impressive net score of 69 (97 gross minus 28 handicap). She was closely followed by Mona Myers-Lamptey from Group A in second place with a net 77, and Princess Nkansah-Boadu from Group B securing third position, also with a net 77.
The senior categories showcased experienced golfers still at the top of their game. Samuel Tetteh Korboe claimed the senior men’s title with a net 69, while Tony Arkutu secured second place among seniors with a net 70. In the senior ladies’ division, Esther Antwi emerged victorious with a net 79, followed by Beatrice Vetsch-Bempong in second place with a net 80.
Special awards were presented for technical excellence, with Isaac Aninakwah winning the Closest to the Pin competition and Randy Adu-Gyamfi claiming the Longest Drive honour. The professional title and a GHS5,000 reward were awarded to Vincent Torgah of the Celebrity Golf Club, further enhancing the club’s successful representation in the tournament.
The event attracted substantial participation, with tournament officials processing 95 scorecards in the Men’s competition and 31 in the Ladies’ event, demonstrating the continued popularity of golf despite the challenges facing the course infrastructure.