The maiden international tournament (Senegambia Golf Cup) hosted in The Gambia saw The Gambia win against Senegal 22-19 in a keenly contested competition.
The tournament, contested between the two countries (The Gambia and Senegal) is aimed at strengthening the already bilateral relationship between The Gambia and Senegal.
As winners, The Gambian golfers’ team was awarded a giant trophy and cash prize of CFA110, 000 for each of the 8 Gambian professional golfers, while each of the 8 Senegalese golfers’ received CFA47, 000.
In addition, each of the 28 golfers for the two countries who participated in the competition were awarded certificates.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie congratulated The Gambian team for winning the maiden Senegambian Golf Cup. He also congratulated the Senegalese side for travelling from Dakar to Banjul to participate in the maiden tournament.
“In every competition there will be winners but like we always say there are no losers because the fact that people have shown commitment, passion, energy and resources to come and participate is an achievement,” he said.
He added that golf is one of the key sports that the government wishes to promote across the country.
According to him, the importance of the tournament cannot be overemphasised as it would help in strengthening the cordial relationship between The Gambia and Senegal.
Ebrima Jawara, president of The Gambia Golf Association, who also played, expressed delight for successfully hosting and winning the maiden edition of the international tournament.
“We feel very humble and elated for winning the maiden Senegambia golf cup for The Gambia. It was not an easy tournament for us (golfers) but we are proud that we represented the country,” he said.
Lamin Sarr, captain of The Gambian professional golfers, said they went through intensive preparation before the start of the tournament.
Mustapha Ngum, captain of Senegalese professional golfers expressed delight in participating in the maiden edition of the Senegambian Golf Cup, adding that the competition was not about winning but instead meant to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Senegal and The Gambia.
The Gambia Golf Association was assisted by the Gambia government through the National Sports Council’s Abdoulie Bojang for the successful staging of the Senegambian Golf Cup.
