Sunshine Tour has launched the new R1.5 million (€96 730) Limpopo Championship, a golf tournament that will see players tee off at the Euphoria Golf and Lifestyle Estate from March 7-10.
The newest Sunshine Tour tournament is powered by the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) and will feature 156 professional golfers competing in a 72-hole stroke-play format.
“We are delighted to announce the new Limpopo Championship, which is one of several new tournaments we will be announcing,” said Selwyn Nathan, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.
Nomasonto Ndlovu, CEO of LTA added: “We are excited about the golf event as it will give international golfers a reason to visit South Africa, and Limpopo province in particular. Limpopo has proven to be a golfing destination of choice over the years, having hosted high-profile events such as the BCX SuperSport Golf Shootout.”
Ndlovu said an event such as the Limpopo Championship showed that golf was one of the key drivers of tourism in the province, as identified by LTA’s marketing strategy.
“Limpopo is a leading tourism destination but is also well known for a golf and game experience in Southern Africa. The addition of the Limpopo Championship to our already diverse destination portfolio is a natural fit. The tournament complements our brand offering and the promotion of diverse tourism experiences in collaboration with the private sector, in order to drive sector transformation.”
Ndlovu says the region’s myriad of tourist destinations include the Nylsvley Nature Reserve, a RAMSAR Site with over 400 bird species; Waterberg Biosphere; Makapans Valley; Waterberg Meander; Marakele National Park; and many private game reserves.
“It is our hope that the event will bring more international visitors as well those from SADC to experience our destination, with so much to offer from wildlife, rich topography and landscape, diverse heritage and culture, warmth and hospitality of our people.”
The four-day golf championship offers golfers and spectators the opportunity to sample a number of the tourist offerings in the region.
Participants and spectators can enjoy tailor-made tournament packages, which include entertainment, spa treatments, cable car rides, excursions and local food sampling.