The 59th edition of the MTN Asantehene Gold Cup Championship has opened in Kumasi with a “tee off” by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

About 300 professional and amateur golfers from across the country – Tema, Achimota, Takoradi, Obuasi, Tafo, Nsuta and Damengo are taking part in the four-day tournament.

The prestigious sporting event is being jointly sponsored by MTN, one of the leading telecommunication companies, CAL Bank, Taysec, Beige Capital and Ghana Union Assurance Company Limited.

The professional golfers would be playing 72 holes while the amateurs – both men and ladies would do 36 holes.

It has been timed to coincide with the birthday celebration of the Asante King.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu after ceremonially striking the ball with a tee at the Royal Golf course to signal the official start of the competition pledged continued support to promote the sport.

He said he would do everything he could to assist the game to become more popular with Ghanaians.

Mr. Francis Donkor-Baah, Captain of Kumasi Royal Golf Club, which is hosting the tournament, applauded the Asantehene for his enormous assistance towards the development of the game.