The day JC Ritchie won the 2022 Jonsson Workwear Open, as a European Challenge Tour event, is the day when a lot changed for the better.
It was a moment that reflected the celebration of the elevated status of its tournament as a Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour co-sanctioned event.
Michael Vlismas, sunshine media manager, said a bigger stage means a greater opportunity for the South African professionals competing this week with the first round teeing off at The Club at Steyn City on March 30.
“Ritchie’s victory last year played a role in his ultimately earning a full DP World Tour card by the end of the year. This week could be just as life-changing for another South African professional.”
That’s exactly the kind of journey Nick Jonsson and his company want to support.
“As a South African brand, sport is part of our life. We started modestly with a club rugby sponsorship and slowly grew from there. Now we are into golf. We have long had a dream of being involved in golf sponsorship in one way or another and we are delighted to have made it happen with the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour,” Jonsson said at the official pro-am for the week’s tournament.
He states that they found this sport a worthwhile medium and are currently on the back of the Cell C Sharks’ shirt, the Emirates Lions’ shirt and the SuperSport United shirt.
“To now be involved with a DP World Tour event is the cherry on top as far as golf is concerned and we’re thrilled.”
Jonsson’s passion stretches beyond just sponsoring a week of world-class international golf and to the role his company can play in supporting an individual’s journey.
“Successful businesses have a responsibility to the communities around them. Wherever we go, we want to help people to realise their dreams. Whether they are people who work in our factories or people who win a golf tournament we sponsor.”
The golf clinic earlier in the week set the tone for this vision as a host of young golfers spent time with Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour professionals Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Dale Whitnell, James Hart du Preez, Martin Vorster and Stefan Wears-Taylor in a bid to not only improve their games but also inspire them on their journey in golf.
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