The 11th International Golf Open of Cameroon concluded after a week of intense competition, with Cameroonian golfers securing the top three positions. Michel Boula Boula took first place, followed by Pristhy Nji in second, and Julien Awouda in third.
The event was inaugurated by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the Golf Club in Yaoundé. During the launch, Minister Kombi encouraged participants to give their best to elevate the sport and make it a source of pride for Africa.
“Put in your best so as to promote this discipline for it to be the pride of Africa,” he urged.
Approximately 200 professional and amateur golfers from 15 countries competed in the tournament. Évelyne Ebongue Makolle, President of the Provisional Management Committee of the Cameroon Golf Federation, emphasized the meticulous preparations for this event, which marked a return after a five-year hiatus.
“Everything was set for a smooth tournament that comes after five years,” she stated.
Ebongue Makolle highlighted the blend of professional and amateur golfers to enhance the competition, a common practice in Africa due to the relatively low number of licenced golfers. She noted that Cameroon is a leading force in golf in Central and Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Winning the competition was not an easy task,” said Michel Boula Boula, the winner of the 11th International Golf Tournament. “But thanks to hard work and patience, I made it.”
Boula Boula reflected on his unexpected victory, noting the unpredictable nature of golf.
“I really didn’t know that I was going to win this competition because I can’t tell you that when a player gets on at the start he is sure to win. Golf is a sport that is very complicated, it’s like life,” he explained. “Honestly, I said to myself, let’s see what it gives next week.”
He attributed his success to his ability to perform under pressure, particularly on the final days when the competition is most intense.
“I said to myself that the time has come when I’m going to make a name for myself in Cameroonian golf. So I gave everything I had.”
In her address, Evelyn Ebongue Makolle thanked Minister Kombi for his presence, which she said added prestige to the event.
“Mr. Minister, your presence enhances the launching ceremony of the 11th edition of the Cameroon International Golf Open. It will also undoubtedly have a galvanizing effect on the members of Team Cameroon who will compete in skill throughout this edition,” she remarked. “Your presence is loaded with symbolism. It is eloquent proof that the assertion of the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul Biya, that ‘in Cameroon, there are no major sports, nor minor sports, even less reserved sports’ retains all its relevance.”
The opening ceremony on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the Yaoundé Golf Club, was a memorable event, welcoming distinguished personalities and government officials, marking a significant moment in the history of Cameroonian golf.
