ASANTEHENE Otumfuo Osei Tutu II yesterday demonstrated that he is not only an exemplary chief but also an accomplished golfer.

This, he did, when he teed off to open the 46th edition of the Asantehene Gold Golf Cup competition at the Kumasi Golf Course in Kumasi, last Saturday.

He did not only surprise connoisseurs of the game with his skills but also completed the 4-hole non-scoring event with a 25-yarder pat into the hole in the last lap to the admiration of all.

Playing alongside Otumfuo Osei Tutu 11 were Oyeeman Wereko Ampem, Gyasehene of Akuapem, Henry Yao Atiase, President of the Kumasi Golf Club, and Prince Adu Agyemang, Captain of the club.

In all, 208 amateurs and professional golfers, including one from the Republic of Togo are taking part in the competition.

The professionals are competing over 72 holes in three days while amateurs vie over 36 holes in two days.

Otumfuo has donated a golden cup to be competed for by the amateurs in the scratch event.

A huge crowd stormed the golf course to await the arrival of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to open the competition. When he finally arrived, there was ecstasy among them.

After exchanging greetings with invited guests, the flags for the competition were hoisted.

Among the flags hoisted were the Asantehene’s, the national flag, that of the Republic of Togo, the Ghana Golfers Association, and the Kumasi Golf Club. The flag hoisting over, participants were introduced to the Asantehene and his team.

Mr Henry Atiase, President of the Kumasi Golf Club then invited the Asantehene and his team to initiate the action to play over four holes to signify the official opening of the competition.

Asantehene then displayed good shots and pats to the admiration of all.

At the time of filing the report, Effah Poku of Kumasi has already scored 146 points gross over 36 holes in two days while Victor Brave Mensah had 148 to place second so far, followed by Kofi Nimako of Kumasi with 149 points in the professional event. Baba Akologo of Takoradi; J. Dorman, E. K. Korsah, defending champion in the amateur division, R. K. Degbe and James Larry are others in good contention.