Madina eyes second Ghana Ladies Open title after strong start
GHANA: TANZANIA’s top female golfer, Madina Iddi, is closing in on reclaiming the Ghana Ladies Golf Open Stroke Play Championship title, as the prestigious event concluded today in Accra, Ghana.
The 54-hole tournament— one of the most respected women’s golf events in Africa—teed off on Thursday, drawing elite female golfers from across the continent.
Speaking to the ‘Daily News’ from Accra after yesterday’s second round, Madina, who won the tournament in 2023 but missed the 2024 edition due to personal reasons, expressed optimism about her performance so far.
She made a strong start on Thursday, carding an impressive 74 gross in the opening round, giving her an 8-stroke lead over Nigeria’s Ehinomhen Igbinadolor, who posted 82 gross.
However, Madina acknowledged that the second round was more challenging. She returned with 80 gross, a dip from her opening round, but still maintained a competitive edge thanks to her early lead.
“I started very well on Thursday, overcoming several course challenges. But yesterday was tough—I had a difficult round,” she admitted.
“Still, I’m determined to bounce back and finish strong. My goal remains the same: to bring the title home.”
Zambia’s Lorna Mwenda was third after the first round with 83 gross, while Ghana’s Diana Osmond and Evelyn Oyome completed the top five on the leaderboard.
Madina is accompanied in Ghana by Yasmin Chali, the Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) Honorary Secretary, who opened her campaign with 104 gross on the demanding course.
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Madina expresses her desire not only to win the championship but also to collect valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, which will strengthen her global standing.
The Tanzanian star arrived in Accra in excellent form, having recently defended her title at the Zambian Ladies Golf Union Open Championship in Ndola. There, she posted rounds of 77, 75 and 76 for a 54-hole total of 228 gross, securing the title.
“Winning in Zambia has boosted my confidence. I’m hopeful it will be the springboard I need to win here again in Ghana.”
Madina is now aiming to clinch her second Ghana Open title, a feat that would further cement her status as one of Africa’s leading women golfers.
