104th SA Open Golf Tournament underway at Glendower Golf Club
In 2013 the metro invested R13.5 million in the SA Open and the return on investment was a staggering R258 million
TWENTY five per cent of the gate takings at the SA Open Golf Tournament, which started at Glendower Golf Club on Thursday, will be donated to local charities.
This was announced by the executive mayor of Ekurhuleni, Clr Mondli Gungubele, at a gala dinner at Emperors Palace on Wednesday evening.
“In 2013 we invested R13.5 million in the SA Open and the return on investment was a staggering R258 million,” he said.
“When the City of Ekurhuleni resolved to host this spectacular four years ago we had no doubt that it would fly our flag higher locally and internationally. We knew that it would help us fast-track our introduction as a young metro to the world as the destination of choice to stay, work and play.
“Such events are a fertile ground for the growth of sports tourism. However, if local economic opportunities are to be made through sports tourism, local responses to building local economic development have proven to be most effective in creating lasting and sustainable opportunities for local people.
“There was plenty of talent in previously disadvantaged areas but golf was stigmatised as a sport for the elite only – a myth that needed urgent intervention,” Gungubele continued.
“I am proud to say that four years later, as the City of Ekurhuleni, we have no regrets whatsoever. We can already see great change in our fortunes since we started hosting this prestigious tournament in 2010. Apart from being known to billions throughout the world, we have now established the Gaven Levenson Golf Academy with the European Tour.
“Also, several small businesses have benefited from us hosting the tournament and a number of youngsters have taken up the sport of golf. These youngsters have gone on to rub shoulders with the professionals through the coaching clinics and the ProAm.
Gungubele expressed his joy and excitement at the news of Ernie Els involvement in the 104th edition of the SA Open. “We could not have asked for a better and more suitable ambassador and player host than the Big Easy’ himself.
“Ernie is a local talent that has become a legend in the sport of golf throughout the world. This gentle giant commands the respect of all the peoples of the world regardless of age, gender or race. His involvement with the organisation of the SA Open, which is hosted by his home city, Ekurhuleni, signals a new beginning for the competition.
“A former two-time winner of the SA Open himself, there is no doubt that Ernie’s involvement can only mean an even better future for this legendary Open. Let me also thank the Big Easy for the great work he is doing for charity through the Ernie Els Foundation.”
