With the Africa Open set to stay in East London for the next five years, there has been a great spinoff for the development of the game, with a R 150 000 sponsorship being set aside to make the game more accessible to players from disadvantaged communities.

"We were delighted to receive the news that the Richer Future Foundation - the official charity of the Africa Open - gifted us with a R150 000 sponsorship to grow the programme in East London," said SAGDB executive director Ken Viljoen on Monday.

The Richer Future Foundation was launched during the 2011 Africa Open and its first major contributors were Retief Goosen, Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen and Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke.

"The Foundation invited tenders from various development organisations, while the Sunshine Tour held the funds in trust," Viljoen said.

'Extremely thankful'

"We went through a strict vetting process and we are extremely thankful that the Foundation selected us as one of the recipients from the trust brought about by the Africa Open."

SAGBD Border regional manager Millie Zim said The Richer Future Foundation sponsorship will be used to expand the SAGDB's development programme at Alexandria Golf Club in Greenfields over the next 12 months.

"The sponsorship will cover driving range fees, training equipment, club membership, green fees, including balls and tees, meals and drinks at tournaments, coaching fees, and transport to and from the driving range and golf course," Zim explained.

Programme

"We launched our programme at Alexandria Golf Club in January and we drew nearly 30 learners from George Randall Primary and High Schools.

"Once their administration is completed, we are expecting learners from Kuswag Primary to join and due to all the enquiries from the members of Alexandria Golf Club, we have invited them to let their children join as well."

Zim said nearly 50 children have already joined the programme, a number she expects to rise.

Profile

"The Africa Open has raised the profile of golf in East London. The interest from especially the younger learners has certainly increased since the tournament became a permanent fixture at East London Golf Club.

"I think Louis Oosthuizen's back-to-back victories have also inspired the younger generation to take up golf."

Africa Open chairman Khaya Ngqula said the SAGDB was a natural choice for the sponsorship.

"The SAGDB received this sponsorship because their values and our vision for golf development are synonymous," he said.

Accessibility

"The organisation aims to make golf accessible to all South Africans by providing and facilitating practice and playing opportunities for learners from all communities, including the underprivileged and previously disadvantaged communities. We want to assist that process.

"They have done an incredible job in the Border region since 2000. Nearly 30 learners have earned junior provincial colours. Yolanda Duma, Lwazi Gqira and Thabo Jim went on to earn under-23 and senior provincial colours. Zethu Myeki, Lusanda Dikileyo and Siviwe Duma have been accepted into the Ernie Els Foundation.

"Joining forces with the SAGDB is the most powerful way to grow the game of golf in the Border region."

The SAGDB is the only recognised official body tasked with golf development by all South Africa's official golfing bodies, amateur and professional, and is endorsed by the R&A and Sports & Recreation SA.

Source: SouthAfrica.info
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