Major pro golf champs planned for City

THE City of uMhlathuze could become home to an annual national golf club pro championship set to create lucrative economic, tourism and marketing spin-offs for the region.

The proposal was presented to Exco Councillors at its sitting in Richards Bay on Tuesday.

The tournament will, for the first time, see the PGA of South Africa inviting 50 golf professionals countrywide to compete for a prestigious national title in Zululand.

World Golf Events South Africa representative, Craig Clay-Smith, told Councillors they were planning to host the inaugural National Club ProAm either during November or March 2015.

The championship would take place annually at the Richards Bay and Empangeni Country Clubs.

‘Each four-ball will be made up of one club professional and three amateur players from their club,’ said Clay-Smith.

‘There would be 50 club teams, up to 200 golfers, two championship courses and 54 holes of golf.

‘We have been in the sporting industry for more than 25 years and this has immense value and opportunities to showcase the region.

‘Golf tourism is growing worldwide and a tournament of this nature reignites the competitive spirit among golfers.

‘The first placed team will qualify for free entry to the World Club ProAm during February 2016,’ Clay-Smith said.

The idea was first mooted when City Mayor, Elphas Mbatha, planned to host a Mayoral Golf Day that would assist in funding 20 deserving students through tertiary studies.

‘But when I saw this presentation, I was excited to have a national tournament of this nature in the City boasting many tourism opportunities.

‘The PGA is a very important part of golf and South Africa prides itself with this association,’ said Mbatha.

Cost

Councillors questioned the financial implications but Clay-Smith said the cost would be spread among sponsors and would not be borne by the municipality.

‘Considering the summits and other dinners we have hosted, the municipality should not shy away from assisting in funding,’ said the Mayor.

‘We will also have the collaboration of the KZN Department of Economic Development and Tourism.’

Clay-Smith said they would further assess the two golf clubs to ensure they met the required standards to host a national championship.

‘Golfers who play in this event look to network for business opportunities. They love travelling, investigating and investing.

‘They will come to this region beforehand to practice and there are additional tourism benefits with the game reserves, shopping centres and beaches in close proximity to the golf courses.’

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