Kojo Barnni cemented his status as one of Ghana’s finest golfers on Friday when he clinched the 2025 Goldfields Damang Open Golf Tournament, marking his fourth triumph on the demanding Damang course. 

The Tarkwa-based professional, already a three-time champion, returned to familiar winning territory with a composed and tactical performance across the four-day event.

Barnni, one of the pre-tournament favourites, seized control on the second day and held off strong challenges from rivals including Francis Torgah and Maxwell Osei Bonsu. His steady play on a course widely regarded as unforgiving earned him the admiration of spectators and competitors alike. Speaking after receiving his trophy and cash prize, Barnni reflected on the difficulty of the course that has now brought him multiple victories. He said, “It’s a tricky, tough course, so I had to be smart with every shot.” His precision and mental strength ultimately delivered the GH¢60,000 top prize.

The runner-up position went to Achimota golfer Lucky Ayisah, last year’s Genser Tournament winner, who made an aggressive push on the final day to secure GH¢35,000. Royal Golf Club’s Maxwell Owusu Bonsu and fellow Achimota golfer Vincent Cofie shared third place and split GH¢34,000 between them.

In the seniors division, veteran golfer Emos Koblah once again proved his dominance by retaining his title with a three-day total of 219, earning GH¢30,000. He was followed by E. K. Osei, who received GH¢ 20,000, while Anthony Gbenyo placed third.

The professional ladies’ contest delivered its own high-level competition, with Senegal’s Oumy Diaye taking first place and GH¢25,000 after an impressive showing over the last two days. South Africa’s Zethu Myeki claimed second place with GH¢17,000, while Ivorian golfer Vivian Kouame finished third with GH¢13,000.

The Vice President of PGA Ghana, Alhaji Ahmed Padori, commended all partners, course officials and support teams whose efforts contributed to the success of this year’s championship. He highlighted plans to introduce golf in schools and enhance female participation in the sport. PGA President Hans De Beer praised Goldfields Ghana and Engineers and Planners for their support and encouraged Ghanaian golfers to push for global excellence. “You need more tournaments to improve and reach the world stage,” he said while outlining the PGA’s intention to expand its calendar with more open and invitational events.

Lady Captain Felicity Geabour called for increased support for women golfers, while Goldfields Abosso Operations Manager, Sampson Arthur, congratulated participants and expressed delight at the smooth organisation of the tournament, adding that he hoped the company’s partnership with the PGA would continue to grow stronger.

The event also drew interest from young admirers, including pupils from Abosso Methodist JHS, who observed the tournament to learn about the sport and watch some of the country’s finest golfers in action.