Ashleigh Simon Photo: Gallo Images
Tshwane, 10 February 2014 – Golf fans in Gauteng are in for a week of exhilarating world class golf at The Els Club Copperleaf in Centurion with the addition of the Ladies Tshwane Open to the Sunshine Ladies Tour.
The City of Tshwane has extended its support of local professional golf to the women’s pro circuit and the addition of the R100,000 tournament from 3-4 March will increase the WPGA’s newly-minted tour to eight events, offering total prize money worth R1-million.
The City Manager of Tshwane, Jason Ngobeni, said the Tshwane Ladies Open – like the Sunshine and European Tour’s co-sanctioned Tour’s Tshwane Open – is about “more than just golf”.
“Both tournaments position our city as a premier business and tourism destination, but beyond the fact that the city and country both benefit economically from the tournaments, we look to our visitors to go away from a great experience in Tshwane and to promote our city both locally and abroad.
“We believe that to fully commit to golf development in South Africa, it is important that the City of Tshwane show women’s golf the same support as we do men’s professional golf.”
WPGA chairman Margie Whitehouse said the professionals are delighted to welcome the support of the City of Tshwane.
“The WPGA is determined to establish a regular playing platform for our players and we are extremely pleased that the City is validating our undertaking and assisting us to grow the Sunshine Ladies Tour,” Whitehouse.
“The Ladies Tshwane Open will not only provide an additional playing opportunity for the professionals, but will also count towards the Order of Merit that will determine the top 10 professionals that qualify for the season-ending Investec Cup for Ladies.
“We further trust that the Ladies Tshwane Open, along with the Tshwane Open, will assist the City of Tshwane in raising the profile of the Tshwane brand both locally and internationally.”
The first round will be played in a pro-am format, while the second round will be contested by the professionals only
