POLOKWANE – The Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) facilitated the media launch of the 2026 Limpopo Golf Championship at The Ranch Resort in Polokwane on Wednesday.

The launch was led by Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba as keynote speaker, with Tourism Agency Chairperson Freddy Greaver and CEO Moses Ngobeni also at the helm.

MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Dr Tshitereke Matibe, representatives of the Sunshine Tour, sponsors and professional golfers also attended.

Tournament details

The Sunshine Tour confirmed the eighth edition of the tournament will be held at Euphoria Golf & Lifestyle Estate in Mokopane from October 1 to 4, with the prize purse at R2.5 million.

Defending champion is South Africa’s Pieter Moolman, who will attempt to become the second player to defend the title after JC Ritchie, who won in 2019 and 2020.

The field is expected to include nine of the top 10 players on the current Sunshine Tour Courier Guy Order of Merit, including leader Samuel Simpson.

South African Amateur champion Judd Sundelson and former Nedbank Junior Challenge winner Stefan Jacobs have received invitations.

Players from Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Kenya will also compete.

Premier: Limpopo’s greatest advantage is authenticity

Ramathuba said the championship has become a platform for tourism promotion and economic development.

“The Limpopo Golf Championship has evolved into far more than a sporting event. It has become a strategic platform for tourism promotion, destination branding and economic development,” she said.

She premised her keynote by saying Limpopo’s competitive advantage is authenticity.

“We live in an era where artificial intelligence can generate images, stories and experiences at the click of a button. Yet there is one thing that technology can never replicate: authenticity. That is Limpopo’s greatest competitive advantage,” she said.

Ramathuba also mentioned that golf in Limpopo is played against backdrops of mountains, bushveld and wildlife.

She cited the par-three 19th hole at Legend Golf and Safari Resort and courses including Zebula Golf Estate, Koro Creek Bushveld Golf Estate, Hans Merensky Golf Club and Euphoria Golf Estate.

Economic impact

She said the 2025 edition, which also had a R2.5 million purse, created employment for 156 local caddies and generated more than 80 temporary jobs in hospitality and event management.

Sport tourism a key pillar

Meanwhile, Greaver said sport tourism remains a pillar for the agency.

“The Limpopo Tourism Agency continues to embrace the impact of the Limpopo Championship towards socio-economic development. Sport tourism remains one of the agency’s pillars as it attracts direct investment, economic growth and promotes tourism,” he said.

Sunshine Tour Commissioner Thomas Abt said the tournament supports the Tour’s message that “Greatness Begins Here” and has been a crucial link in the careers of professionals who now play on the HotelPlanner Tour and DP World Tour.

A busy month for Limpopo tourism

The launch coincides with Limpopo hosting National Tourism Month in September. The province hosted the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards from September 2 to 4.

The Limpopo Investment Conference is scheduled for October 15 and often has international socio-economic pledges in the range of billions.