Ghana’s fairways are set to become a nexus of global commerce as the International Pairs Golf Tournament returns this year, blending sport with high-stakes networking for business leaders across continents.
Now in its 27th year, the event exclusively licensed to Legends Sports Management (LSM) in Ghana has transcended its origins as a two-person competition to emerge as a pivotal platform connecting executives, investors, and entrepreneurs from over 30 countries.
The tournament’s structure prioritizes forging professional relationships as much as sporting excellence. Business lounges, curated evening receptions, and informal on-course interactions allow delegates to negotiate deals, explore partnerships, and discuss investment opportunities. “Participants aren’t just representing Ghana in golf,” said tournament organizer Abdul-Aziz Amankwa, a decorated figure in African golf. “They’re entering a global business environment designed to elevate African enterprises.”
This year’s edition, themed “Fairways and Flavours,” will spotlight Ghanaian and South African culinary brands through tastings and live demonstrations, mirroring past integrations of fashion showcases and art exhibitions. Such initiatives aim to connect local creatives and SMEs with international buyers—a strategy Amankwa describes as “a business festival anchored on golf.”
Despite attracting a high-net-worth audience, securing sponsorships remains a hurdle. “Golf is often perceived as exclusive, deterring some brands from investing,” Amankwa noted. Yet the tournament offers unique access for sectors like banking, fintech, and premium lifestyle brands to engage influential decision-makers. SMEs in agribusiness, tourism, and technology also leverage the event to pitch products and negotiate supply contracts with global delegates.
Qualifying rounds begin in May across courses in Greater Accra, the Western Region, and Ashanti Region, with the top 30% advancing to national playoffs. The winning pair earns an all-expenses-paid trip to Sun City, South Africa, for the 2025 world finals. Even non-qualifying executives can participate as self-sponsored entrants, ensuring broader access to the event’s networking ecosystem.
As international interest grows, the tournament underscores the potential of sports to catalyze economic development. By merging competition with commerce, it provides a template for how niche sporting events can amplify local industries while fostering cross-border collaboration a model gaining traction as nations increasingly harness athletics for soft power and economic diplomacy.
