A women-led golf tournament in Accra has spotlighted the rising number of women taking up the sport, with over 140 players converging at the Achimota Golf Club for the 2026 Ladies Captain Cup hosted by Lady Captain Louanges Mang.
The competition teed off at dawn, with players hitting the course from as early as 06:30. Golfers from across the country took part in what organisers described as a conscious push to open up the sport to more women and young girls.
Played on the club’s 18-hole championship course, a par-72 stretching over 6,500 metres, the event drew both seasoned golfers and first-time participants. Set in a tropical environment and widely regarded as one of Ghana’s top golfing venues, the course provided a fitting stage for the tournament.
as some golfers get ready to tee off
Organisers say turnout exceeded expectations, with registrations going beyond the initial target of 120 players, forcing some interested participants to miss out due to limited capacity.
Agolfer getting ready to get on the Golf Cart
Speaking during the competition, former Lady Captain Leticia Amposah Mensah reflected on her performance and enjoyment of the game.
” . I started from hole 1 as usual, made some few mistakes. I have a last hole to finish and I’ve played the longest drive. I’m expecting that nobody beats me on the longest drive. When we say even, it means course par. So if I’m able to make a par here, then I’ll come to minus one, that’s one above. For now, I’m even and I’m enjoying the game. “
🎥 🇬🇭 Former Achimota Golf Club Ladies Captain, Leticia Amponsah Mensah, says she’s hoping to keep her long drive unbeaten.
Led by Lady Captain Louanges Mang, the event aims to reward excellence and promote the development of golf among underprivileged girls.#CitiSportspic.twitter.com/yUpa6utUIh
Although the tournament was organised to promote women’s golf, male players also participated in support of the initiative. Dennis Antwi Barima, who plays at the Tema Country Golf Club, said he joined the event to back the organisers.
“I’m actually playing at the Center of the world Tema . I haven’t played Achimota for a while. I came in today to support the Lady Captain’s Tournament. It’s been a good day. I went to play Obis, obviously, which is a good piece.”
🎥 🇬🇭The Achimota Golf Club is hosting the Lady Captain’s Prize 2026 today with golfers set for a day of competition and community impact.
Officials say the growing number of female participants reflects broader efforts to expand the sport’s reach. Former Achimota Golf Club Captain Sjoerd Grueter described the trend as encouraging.
“It is extremely encouraging to see the number of ladies who are starting to participatenot just playing golf, but also taking part in tournaments,” he said.
He added that targeted initiatives during his tenure had already yielded results.
“During my time as captain of Achimota, we brought in about 90 ladies to try golf, and a number of them stayed on to become permanent members,” he noted.
Some lady golfers in action
For Lady Captain Louanges Mang, she explained that the event extended beyond competition, with a strong focus on social impact. According to her, the tournament aimed to support young women who might otherwise be unable to access the sport.
“We are playing for a purpose. We didn’t just come to play golf,” she told JoySports.
“We are here to support young ladies who cannot afford to learn the sport, and to give them the opportunity to be part of it,” she added.
Scene from the event
She also expressed appreciation for the turnout and backing from sponsors and participants.
” Oh my goodness, I don’t have words. The golfers have come in their numbers. We expected 120 players but then over 140 players registered for this event.
It’s so amazing. I don’t have words here. Sponsors, golfers coming to support this is amazing. I don’t have words. Thanks so much. Some couldn’t play. They wanted to play because the maximum we can register is 140. We are so grateful.”
President of the Achimota Golf Club, Kwasi Amoafe Yeboah in action
Looking ahead, she said plans were in place to identify and train young girls interested in golf but lacking the means to pursue it.
” I have to say for this very event, the Lady Captains Prize 2026, we said we are playing for a purpose. We didn’t just come to play golf.
We are here to support young ladies who can’t afford to learn golf, to play golf. We are here to support them. After this event we are going to make a call for any girls out there who want to play golf and doesn’t have means.
Lady Captain Louanges Mang presenting an award to one of the numerous winners
We are going to train those ladies. Today is really special because we came to play for a purpose which is to help the young girls, the young generation”
She added that the long-term goal is to nurture talent capable of competing at the highest level.
” We already have some young girls here but they are not really many. We want more. We want to train more. For those who are already with us, we want to motivate them and we want to even reduce their handicap to the minimum.
Grand prize given to Pamela Ewoenam Atila for winning the 2026 Ladies Captain Cup
Because here is handicap. The lower the handicap, the better. We want our girls to really keep pushing until they become pro and then representing Ghana, taking the flag of Ghana high. Higher.”
The event reflects a broader shift in Ghana, where golf traditionally viewed as a male-dominated sport is gradually becoming more inclusive. With initiatives such as the Ladies Captain Cup gaining traction, organisers say they are optimistic about the future of women’s participation in the game.
