Local women golfers appreciate sponsor
Investec sponsored golfers Stacy Bregman, Nicole Garcia and Lejan Lewthwaite will all be competing in the six tournament tour, with their eyes on the prize.
In 2014, Investec launched the Chase to the Investec Cup, which included a R100 000 bonus prize for the Investec Order of Merit winner, Investec sponsored golfers Stacy Bregman, Nicole Garcia and Lejan Lewthwaite will all be competing in this years six tournament tour, with their eyes on the prize.
Investec further entrenched their golfing presence by claiming naming rights to the Investec South African Women’s Open, with a prize pool of 200 000 euro.
Local professional golfers Nicole Garcia and Lejan Lewthwaite are very excited about the opportunities offered to shine in the game they love.
Investec’s head of sponsorship, Peta Dixon, said that Investec is committed to its values of equality, inclusion and diversity and is focused on enabling more women to thrive.
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“With this in mind, we’ve added an additional prize incentive of R100 000. While there’s still a long way to go before gender pay parity in golf is a reality, we are proud of the contribution that we’re making to that cause.”
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“It’s another wonderful incentive by Investec and I speak on behalf of all the pro’s when I say that we’re extremely grateful,” said Bergman.
“Personally, I’ve worked hard throughout the off-season and lockdown because there is a lot of money at stake when factoring in the Investec Order of Merit, tournament wins and now the Investec Homegrown Award on offer at the final tournament. All these contribute towards a hugely competitive circuit: growing our game and golfers, and we just cannot wait to tee-off.”
Leján Lewthwaite (30) of Farrarmere, Benoni said she is super excited for their upcoming Sunshine Ladies Tour events.
“It has been over four months since we have had any competitive ladies events, so I cannot wait to see where my game is at and to get into that competitive mode again!
“The most important thing that I would like to say to Investec is thank you.
“Thank you for believing in us ladies, and not just believing in us, but in our dreams too – the dream to be given the opportunity to achieve all that we want to achieve in our profession.”
Nicole Garcia (30) of Northmead Benoni said she is very excited and can’t wait to get started again playing competitive golf.
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“I am most looking forward to the Investec SA Women’s Open, not only because it’s our flagship event and hosted by Investec but also because it’s a chance to qualify for the US Open. The only thing I can say is thank you.
The eighth season of the local women’s professional circuit launches with the Cape Town Ladies Open at Royal Cape Golf Club from April 7-9, and concludes with the ISAWO at Westlake Golf Club from May 13–16.
Sunshine Ladies Tour general manager Pauli van Meersbergen said:
“As a partner and sponsor, Investec has made an immeasurable contribution to the Sunshine Ladies Tour since the circuit launched in 2014 and has consistently upped the ante with additional incentives to promote the development of women’s professional golf in our country.
“They have done it again with this wonderful Investec Homegrown Award.
Garcia said:
“If I win the prize money it will go towards my expenses for the year, travelling and playing in Europe.
“I haven’t won the Order of Merit yet so to win it or the Homegrown Award or maybe even both would help boost my career not only financially but also as a professional golfer. That kind of exposure you can’t put a value to.
“To all the ladies out there, don’t let anyone tell you it’s impossible and you should give up. If you have the right work ethic and determination you can do anything.”
Lewthwaite said if she was to win the prize money she would put the money towards saving up for her own house.
“I don’t yet own my own house and would love to make this happen over the next few years. Winning the Investec Homegrown Award would most certainly be a proud moment for me.
“To win one national open is an accomplishment most professional golfers and athletes work towards and dream of over their careers.
“It is an amazing incentive and it motivates me even more to give it my all and leave everything out on the golf course in the week of the Investec South African Women’s Open. The advice that I give to young female golfers is to always believe in yourself.
“Chase your dreams and don’t let anybody tell you that you are not good enough!”
2021 Sunshine ladies tour revised schedule
April 7-9
• Cape Town Ladies Open, R200 000, Royal Cape Golf Club
April 14-16
• Jabra Ladies Classic, R600 000, Glendower Golf Club
April 21-23
• SuperSport Ladies Challenge presented by Sun International, R400 000, Gary Player Country Club
April 28-30
• Joburg Ladies Open, R500 000, Soweto Country Club
May 7-9
• Dimension Data Ladies Pro-Am, R600 000, R100 000 Better Ball Pro-Am
May 13-16
• Investec South African Women’s Open*, €200 000, Westlake Golf Club, *Ladies European Tour co-sanctioned, **2021 U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier.
