Sport

Top golf names for Africa Open

5 January 2009

The Africa Open Golf Tournament, to be held at the East London Golf Club from 15 to 18 January, has drawn a top-class field, including two Major winners.

Among those who have already confirmed their entries are 2007 US Open champion Angel Cabrera, European Ryder Cup veteran and regular South African visitor Darren Clarke, two-time US Open winner Retief Goosen, and 2007 South African Open champion James Kingston.

The event, which gets under way with a Pro-Am on Wednesday 14 January, forms part of the Sunshine Tour and offers a prize purse of R5-million.

Grant Wilson, the Sunshine Tour's chief operating officer, says the event has generated a lot of excitement among Sunshine Tour players, as well as a contingent of international names who will help add a keen edge to the fixture.

Co-sanctioning

The Africa Open was first held in 2007 and, according to Wilson, it is expected to attract a formidable field. Negotiations are well under way for the 2010 Africa Open to possibly be co-sanctioned with the European PGA Tour.

The East London Golf Club will be the host of the event for the next three years; it offers a hilly and undulating challenge for the pro golfer and, with its breathtaking views, is also an idyllic venue for lesser practioners of the game.

"With an increase of the prize fund to R5-million, The Africa Open has become one of the most important events on our schedule," says Wilson.

"The Sunshine Tour is proud to be associated with Buffalo City and the Amatola region, and we are excited about presenting a golf tournament of international stature at East London Golf Club in January."

SAinfo reporter