More than 17 years after his last appearance on the European Challenge Tour, Emos Korblah is now brushing shoulders with the world’s greatest over-50s golfers at The Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex.
Korblah booked his place at Carnoustie after successfully qualifying at Downfield Golf Club which sealed his European Senior Tour debut on the world-famous Angus links.
The twist in Korblah’s tale, however, is that the plucky golfer hails from the West African country of Ghana, a far cry from the twists and turns he’s encountering on the east coast of Scotland.
The 52 year old was previously a caddie before receiving sponsorship to go to the United Kingdom to learn the game.
After shooting a four over par opening round of 76, Korblah matched golfing legends Colin Montgomerie and Tom Watson after the first round at Carnoustie.
“I’m just happy to be here,” said Korblah. “The atmosphere is very nice. I met Tom Watson, (Ian) Woosnam and (Colin) Montgomerie and it’s a dream come true.
“I watch them on television all the time, and here we are now – I’m playing with them.
“It’s the first time I’ve played the Senior Open. I was so happy to qualify and it’s good to be in Carnoustie.
“It’s quite different to the course we have back home. It’s cold as well, so it’s quite different.”
Based in the Ghanaian capital of Accra, Korblah made a number of appearances on the Challenge Tour’s events in the Ivory Coast and Nigeria during the 1990s, but played his final round in the 1999 Ivory Coast Open.
“I started as a caddie in Ghana,” he said. “Then I had a sponsor who brought me to the UK for training and from there I wanted to turn professional.
“Golf is a lovely game. In Ghana it’s really picking up nicely. The golf course we have was designed by Paul McGinley. The young guys are starting to come through now and it’s great to see.
“I never thought I would play here at the Senior Open, but here we are.”
