LIMPOPO HOST THE PRESTIGIOUS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

LIMPOPO HOST THE PRESTIGIOUS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

By ThulaneMadalane

Mookgophong: Limpopo Championship is a unique golf tournament which is a  flagship event of Limpopo Tourism Agency  and it is  sanctioned by Sunshine Tour.  In 2021 Brandon Stone claimed the trophy after JC Ritchie winning it for the first two years, paving a way for the 2022 winner Poland’s Mateusz Gradecki,  since  it’s inception  in 2019. Gradecki  could not hide his excitement after being the first international winner of  last  year’s  edition , “ my putting is the main thing I’ve improved on from the previous weeks. I really didn’t putt well enough in the previous tournaments. My game was good enough, but the putter didn’t behave until today. This win really means a lot to me. I am over the moon” he said. The  Championship  commenced yesterday the 27th March to the 2nd April 2023 at Euphoria Golf and Lifestyle Estate and Koro Creek Bushveld Golf Estate. This is the 5th annual Limpopo Championship hosted by LTA, has grown in stature over the past three years and continues to make a significant impact towards community upliftment.

One of the significant milestones that this tournament registered very recently, was when it hosted an inaugural Limpopo Championship Youth Tournament at Koro Creek Bushveld Golf Estate last year,  promise that was made last year when the 4th edition of this golf extravaganza was launched. The week-long golfing spectacle will launch new public entertainment events, such as live comedy show, pool party and a beer garden.

“We are grateful to announce that a total prize fund of R2 million makes Limpopo Championship one of the highest paying Sunshine Tour sanctioned events on the tour schedule, attracting a full field of professional golfers. The tournament has a rich history of Sunshine Tour, DP World Tour and European Challenge Tour winners, such as JC Ritchie, Brandon Stone, and most recently, Mateusz Gradecki, who won it last year, 2022, who no doubt will be defending it”, said the MEC of LEDET, Mr. Rodgers Monama.

This prestigious tournament is a catalyst for Limpopo’s destination marketing and tourism growth. It anchored the tourism industry during the most difficult time of Covid 19 pandemic. The tournament creates much needed local jobs but also attracts significant economic investment, while supporting community development. It further provides a massive opportunity for the province to showcase its scenic beaty and offerings to the world.

Monama further said, “Over and above the professional tournament, the week-long programme also includes a Pro-Am golf day and hospitality area. Limpopo culture and vibe will once again be showcased for all to enjoy. This will also be an opportunity for some Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to also come and showcase our province in a variety of ways including our culture and tradition to create lasting memories to the golfers and those following them”.

The province stands to benefit significantly from this tournament as this presents an opportunity to showcase the province’s offerings like our pristine and sort after golf courses thus presenting as a leading tourism destination in Southern Africa.

This tournament remains a unique proposition in South Africa’s golfing calendar, incorporating Limpopo’s entertaining and hospitality experience.

“We are even more excited as this tournament was preceded by SDC Championship, which is also an international professional golf tournament at Zebula Golf Estate outside Bela-Bela from 16-19 February 2023”, concluded Monama.

The Waterberg District, where this tournament will take place is home to a myriad of tourist destinations like the Nylsvley Nature Reserve not far from where we are, which is a RAMSAR Site with over 400 bird species, Waterberg Biosphere, Makapan’s Valley World Heritage Site, Waterberg Meander, Marakele National Park and many private game reserves, to mention but a few.

 

 

 

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