Anthony Jatta wins 26th Gambia Open Golf Tournament
By Cherno Omar Bobb
Anthony Jatta, a young Gambian who turned professional in 2023, has won the 26th Gambia Open Golf Tournament held at the Sir Dawda Jawara Golf Course in Fajara.
The tournament was organised by the Gambia Golf Association (GGA) in partnership with Fajara Club, with Royal Enterprise Limited and Cropscore being the main sponsors.
Mr. Jatta who went home with a prize money of D68,000, started off in the GGA Golf Academy, and with assistance from sponsors, including ComAfrique, secured a trip to a sports academy in India, where he went through a world class golf programme.
The tournament which featured beginner, amateur, caddy and professional categories was held from 23rd to 28th January 2024.
It brought together over one hundred participations from The Gambia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Sweden.
Ibrahim Mansarry from Sierra Leone finished second in the professional category and was rewarded with a cash amount of D30,000.
Other prize monies for professional golfers were:
3rd GMD20, 000, 4th GMD10, 000, 5th GMD6, 000, 6th GMD4, 000, 7th GMD3, 000 and 8th -10th places received GMD2,000 each.
In the amateurs 9 hole round – first, second, third, fourth and fifth in both the men category 1 and 2 all received prizes.
In the amateur ladies` category. 3 young Gambians came first, second and third place, and all received prizes.
Special prizes for amateurs included longest putt, nearest to the pin, longest drive and booby prize.
Ebrima Jawara, president of the Gambia Golf Association in an interview with reporters after the awarding of prizes to winners, described the event as being inclusive and highly successful.
He expressed delight that Anthony Jatta (who GGA took in, in 2014 together with other young Gambians) is today Gambia`s top professional golfer after winning the Gambia Open which is the biggest golf tournament in The Gambia.
He thanked the sponsors, saying that he ‘hoped next year they will be here again bigger and better at the 27th Gambia Open Golf Tournament.’
He also congratulated the Sierra Leonean professional golfer who came second and thanked all the golfers who participated in the tournament. He noted that their participation, made the event the success it was.
Commenting on young Gambian women winning all the prizes in the ladies` category, he said “Gambians are truly showing their way in golf and we hope that more people will take up the sport,” adding that “GGA will support Gambians who wish to take the sport especially young ones.”
Alhagie Abdoulie Bojang, desk officer for wresting at the National Sports Council, who is also attached to the Gambia Golf Association, in deputising for the Minister of Youth and Sports, expressed delight with the excellence and fair play he saw throughout the tournament.
He pointed out that this is what they are looking for as a Ministry. Mr Bojang urged other associations/federations to follow in the footsteps of GGA in organising national championships for their athletes.
Anthony Jatta, winner of the 26th Gambia Open said he feels blessed winning the tournament, in his first participation as a professional golfer.
He admitted that he was under pressure playing against champions and more experienced professionals than him, but noted that he executed the necessary shots that won him the tournament.
The ambitious young golfer highlighted that his goal is to play more tournaments particularly abroad, to show the world that the country has a young Gambian who can deliver on the global platform.
He said his immediate target is the Sunshine Tournament in South Africa and therefore called on sponsors to support athletes, particularly young ones. “The Gambia is blessed with a lot of young talented athletes,” he observed.
“The golf course is open to anyone who wants to take up the sport. Golf is not a rich man`s sport as most people perceive. I am from a humble family and now a professional golfer. If I can do it, others can too. I am ready to offer lessons especially to young ones who are interested in golf,” he concluded.
Beatrice Allen, president of the Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) and International Olympic Committee Member, said they are not only pleased with the success of the tournament but also proud of the Gambia Golf Association who are able to set standards.
She added that the GGA is growing and keeping up with other national associations/federations.
Derek Brown, Golf Captain of Fajara Club also described the event as a success, saying they look forward to organising similar events in partnership with GGA, in the future.
COB/30/01/24
