LTA HONOUR ITS COMMITMENT TO PROMOTE GOLF IN THE PROVINCE
By Staff Reporter
Modimolle: The Kudu Amateur Golf Championship teed off from August 8th to 10th, 2024 at Koro Creek Bushveld Golf Estate, where Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) reaffirmed its commitment to promoting both the sport of golf and Limpopo Province. This prestigious event presents an opportunity for the agency showcase Limpopo’s unique attractions thereby supporting its growing reputation as a premier golf destination in the country.
Kudu Amateur Golf Championship since its inception in 2012 has grown into a highly anticipated tournament, drawing golf enthusiasts and professionals alike to the small town of Modimolle. Koro Creek Golf Course is a 6 825-metre par 72 championship course featuring four tee boxes on every hole to accommodate every level of golfer. The 860-hectare nature reserve alongside the estate is going to be incorporated into the estate allowing wildlife to roam free and it is situated close to the beautiful Nylsvley Nature Reserve. Visitors can enjoy close encounters with wildlife on the 18-hole golf course or the game reserve – there is something for everyone.
According to David Riddle, the tournament organizer and General Manager of the estate: “The event brings people from diverse locations and backgrounds together. This year the focus is on making the event memorable for each player and making everyone feel like a winner, we will also have live scoring for the first time. The game of golf is about making friends, and we are grateful as this tournament continues to give us more friends form several parts of the country”.
LTA was in attendance throughout the tournament underscoring the region’s commitment to promoting its rich cultural and sporting heritage. Moreover, the Chairperson of the Limpopo Tourism Agency, Mr Andrew Dipela, was also a participant in the event, highlighting LTA’s active engagement in supporting and elevating regional sport events.
The Kudu Amateur Golf Championship is not only a testament to the growing popularity of golf in Limpopo but also a reflection of the region’s dedication to fostering tourism, social cohesion and community engagement through sports.
During prize giving on the last day of the tournament, the chairperson of LTA, Mr. Andrew Dipela emphasised the importance of LTA’s support to the event. “We will continue to support the annual Kudu Amateur Golf Championship as it continues to bring more visitors to the province thus boosting the economy of the province. But I think a game of golf in its nature makes us, we who love it, from a recreational point, to keep our wellness and fitness. But number two, there are no other people that I know in the whole value chain of tourism who can surpass golfers in terms of spending. We spend a lot of money when we are here at the golf course”.
Dipela further said, “But I think when we have these types of events, those who run the restaurants can go and get extra hands for those people to come and work here for three, four days of the event. Remember in South Africa we’ve got three problems of unemployment, inequality, and poverty. When those people to be paid after the four days, five days after the event here, can go back home and have food on the table for their families and their children. That’s a quality contribution to the betterment of life”.
The results of the tournament are as follows:
- At third place on 206 points were Peter Moima and Xavier Makhanda,
- Second place on 208 points were Andrew Tshikovhi and Mike Ramashala, and
- the champions for 2024 on 212 points were Antoine Morudu and Sepeke Manamela.
Over and above the prizes for the tournament, the organisers also introduced another category of the prizes to encourage and recognise new entrants to the tournament. The winners for 2024 of the first friendship cup, an envelope each as a prize. Four players (Dennis Prinsloo, Andre Marais, Ruan Vosloo and Ruan Fanimova) fully inclusive package to come back next year. The prize includes accommodation, golf, and meals.
Leave a comment
