Golf in Ghana has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years, and one name stands at the forefront of this evolution—Abdul-Aziz Amankwa, the driving force behind International Pairs Ghana. Through his passion and dedication, he has successfully brought this prestigious amateur golf tournament to the country, providing local golfers with a platform to compete both nationally and internationally.
Getting Started with International Pairs
What initially attracted you to International Pairs, and why did you decide to bring it to Ghana?
I first discovered International Pairs while watching DSTV and was immediately intrigued by its format. Ghana had never hosted a major pairs tournament before, and I saw an opportunity to introduce a new dimension to the local golf scene. Bringing International Pairs to Ghana was my way of elevating the sport, giving golfers the chance to compete in a team format not just locally, but on an international stage.
What were your key considerations when evaluating the opportunity to become a licensee?
My key considerations included the uniqueness of the game format, its potential to grow in Ghana, the cost of the license, and, most importantly, the opportunity it provided for amateur golfers to experience international competition.
What challenges did you face in the early stages, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was securing sponsorships, as golf in Ghana does not have a massive following. Additionally, gaining the trust of local golfers and ensuring our events met international standards required a strategic approach. We overcame these hurdles by building strong relationships with golf clubs, offering attractive incentives for participants, and ensuring that every event was professionally managed to enhance credibility.
Growth & Success of International Pairs Ghana
How has International Pairs impacted the amateur golf scene in Ghana?
The tournament has significantly boosted interest and participation in amateur golf. More clubs are now incorporating pairs tournaments into their annual calendars, and the social aspect of our events has attracted non-golfers to the sport, broadening its appeal.
How have your events evolved since launching International Pairs Ghana?
We started with a three-legged tournament consisting of zonal qualifiers and a playoff to determine Ghana’s representative at the world finals. By the second year, we expanded to club-based qualifiers, increasing participation and competitiveness. Each year, we refine our format to create a more engaging and rewarding experience for players.
What makes your golf market or events unique compared to other countries?
Ghana’s golf scene is relatively small, with a limited number of courses and female golfers. To make our events stand out, we integrate unique themes, such as art exhibitions and fashion shows, to attract a diverse audience. This blend of sport and culture has been a game-changer for engagement.
What does a typical International Pairs event look like in Ghana?
Each club hosts its own qualifier, with the top 50% of participants advancing to the national playoff. We reward the top five pairs with trophies and prizes, and we’ve introduced a ‘Best Dressed Pair’ competition, which has become a major highlight. Our 2024 theme, “The Fairway Meets the Runway,” fused golf with fashion, and in 2025, we plan to explore “Fairways and Flavors,” incorporating culinary experiences.
Do you have any sponsors or partners that have helped maximize the event’s success?
Yes, we’ve been fortunate to have strong support from sponsors, with PWC as our headline sponsor for the past three years. We also collaborate with local businesses and media outlets, whose contributions have been instrumental in growing the event.
Insights & Advice for Future Licensees
What is the most important factor in running a successful International Pairs tournament?
Creating an enjoyable and seamless experience for golfers is key. This includes excellent event management, clear communication, and making the tournament a social event that appeals to both golfers and non-golfers. Securing sponsorships is also crucial, as entry fees alone are not sufficient to run the event successfully.
What strategies have helped grow participation and engagement?
We focus on fostering camaraderie among participants, implementing targeted marketing campaigns, building strong relationships with clubs, offering attractive prizes, and making each event a memorable social experience.
What advice would you give to potential new licensees?
Build a strong foundation by securing reliable sponsors, engaging the local golf community, and maintaining high event standards. Patience and persistence are vital, as growth takes time.
If you could go back in time, what would you change about your approach?
I would have invested more in marketing from the start to create greater awareness and interest more quickly.
Future & Expansion
What are your future plans for International Pairs Ghana?
We aim to expand the number of participating clubs, introduce new formats, and increase regional participation. Strengthening partnerships and enhancing the overall player experience are also top priorities.
Where do you see International Pairs heading globally, and what excites you most about its future?
International Pairs is on track to become one of the premier amateur golf tournaments worldwide. The opportunity to connect golfers from diverse backgrounds and cultures is what excites me most.
Memorable Moments & Ghanaian Golf Culture
Do you have a standout moment from your International Pairs journey?
One of the most memorable moments was when we introduced a runway show at one of our events, with golfers modeling specially designed golf apparel. The excitement and enthusiasm it generated were unforgettable as seen below,
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What’s something unique about golf culture in Ghana that people might not know?
Despite being a competitive sport, there’s a strong sense of community among Ghanaian golfers. Our events foster a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, making them more than just tournaments—they are social experiences.
If you could host an International Pairs event anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would choose Vietnam, as it’s becoming a top golfing destination with world-class courses and a rich cultural heritage that would provide an incredible experience for participants.
Interested in becoming an International Pairs Licensee?
- Website: International Pairs Golf
- Email: info@internationalpairsgolf.com
- Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn & X
See you on the greens, from our side of the world to yours!