Kumasi, May 24, GNA - Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene has pledged to do more to whip up enthusiasm and make the game of Golf popular, especially among chiefs and traditional rulers.

He said it has been his goal over the years to get many traditional rulers to participate the sport to have fun, as an exercise and for them to interact with the public.

The Asantehene was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 54th edition of the "MTN Asantehene Gold Cup Tournament" at the Royal Golf Park in Kumasi.

The amateur tournament (Asante open) was first played in 1955 in honour of the Asantehene.

He commended the sponsors for assisting to promote the tournament and invited them to help maintain the green course with the supply of the necessary equipment.

Mr Michael Ikpoki, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, sponsors of the tournament, said they were determined to serve as a reliable partner in the development of sports in the country.

He said that Golf as a game had assumed enviable role in offering excellent networking opportunities as a premium sporting activity.

"Golf also communicates some of our key corporate values of leadership and relationships."

Mr Ikpoki said that was why they were at the forefront of a number of Golf activities in the country, and citing their support for the 75th anniversary of the Achimota Golf Club and other tournaments played at the Celebrity Golf Club in Accra.

Professor J. Plange Rhule, President, Kumasi Royal Golf Club, said it was gratifying that MTN was committed to partnering the Club to organize the tournament for the next two years.

He urged corporate bodies in the Kumasi Metropolis to take up corporate membership with the Club for their staff and high value customers and to also lend their support to the growth of the sport.