SouthAfrica.info (Johannesburg)
15 July 2011
The second oldest national golf open in the world, the South African Open, will present a different challenge in 2011 as it moves to the high altitude of Gauteng for the first time since Randpark hosted the tournament in 2000.
The Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate will be the venue. The event runs from 24 to 27 November.
Defending champion Ernie Els, who was inducted in the World Golf Hall of Fame earlier this year, has confirmed his participation.
Selwyn Nathan, the Executive Director of the Sunshine Tour, was thrilled that Els will defend a title he has previously won five times.
‘Delighted’
“We are delighted to have Ernie confirm his place in the field,” said Nathan, “and we look forward to some of the world’s leading golfers joining him at Serengeti, which is a magnificent venue for our national Open.”
He added: “South African golf is in the midst of a golden era on the global stage, and the South African Open will once again serve as a wonderful opportunity to showcase this success worldwide.”
The President of the South African Golf Association (SAGA) Colin Burger said: “After the 100th playing of the South African Open last year, there is definitely a feeling that we have entered a new era in this championship’s illustrious history.
“The SA Open forms part of the foundation of South African golf, and it is important that all South Africans are given an opportunity to share in its glory and history. So, following an extended run, since 2001, at some of our finest coastal golf courses, we are delighted to see it return to Gauteng.”
The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Lebogang Maile, speaking at the launch of tournament at Serengeti on 29 June, said the tournament has a role to play in the government’s new National Sport and Recreation Plan.
Growth and development
“Events such as the South African Open are part of the process of creating a vibrant sport system that encourages growth and development, and supports South Africans to be world-beaters.
“We need to maximise the social and economic benefits that sport has for the people of South Africa. This tournament brings with it the aspirational impact of encouraging our youth to participate in sport, particularly golf, while it also brings vital job creation in the sport and recreation sector.”
For the municipality of Ekurhuleni, it will be the first time that it hosts a sports event of such magnitude.
“The hosting of the SA Open Championship in Ekurhuleni gives me immense pleasure in that it confirms our capability as a metro to play host to major international events,” said Mayor Mondli Gungubele. “The professional golfers taking part in the tournament will have the opportunity to explore the best that we have to offer.”
Jack Nicklaus Signature course
Serengeti is a Jack Nicklaus Signature course and will host the South African Open for the first time.
Serengeti CEO and developer Leon van der Vyver commented: “It is an incredible honour for us to mark our first hosting of a major professional tournament with the South African Open.
“There is so much history and tradition in this tournament, and we are proud to follow a long list of some of South Africa’s finest golf courses in being the host.
“It has always been our vision to stage a tournament of this stature and the golf course was designed with the spectator in mind.”
Last year’s host, the Durban Country Club, has hosted more South African Opens than any other club, with 17 to its name. Royal Cape and Royal Johannesburg and Kensington have each hosted the tournament 10 times.
This year’s tournament will mark the 101st hosting of the event.
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