It’s going to be a hot golfing summer in SA next year
EXPECT to see Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, all the Major champions from this year and next, as well as all 12 members of Europe’s heroic Ryder Cup team, in SA for the inaugural Tournament of Hope next year.
The contract for the $8.5 million (R71m) tournament – one of the biggest in world golf – has been finalised between the International Federation of PGA Tours, event promoters Sail, and the Sunshine Tour. And the championship has been secured for the Rainbow Nation, which has become a true golfing mecca, for 10 years.
The host course for next year has yet to be announced.
The event ranks above each of the four Majors in terms of total prizemoney, and is equal to the total prize money on offer at each of the World Golf Championship tournaments. The Tournament of Hope is second only to the $9.5 million purse offered by The Players Championship.
“The field will comprise a maximum of 72 of the world’s top players who will be drawn from the top 50 players, with the remainder earning coveted spots from their performances on the various world tours,” said Selwyn Nathan, the executive and the Alfred Dunhill Championship – all co-sanctioned by the European Tour and Sunshine Tour – following immediately after the Tournament of Hope. It is not clear how the Nedbank Golf Challenge will fit into the overall picture.
“The Tournament of Hope had long been agreed to in principal, but now that we have a signed contract with the International Federation of PGA Tours, confirming our 10-year hosting of the event, we can begin our preparations,” said Michelle van Eyden from Sail.
This summer already has six events co-sanctioned by the European and Sunshine Tours, including the inaugural Nelson Mandela Championship. And the Volvo Golf Champions – restricted to winners on this year’s European Tour – is also in this country.
Golfing-wise, SA is in for a hot summer, but the following summer could be even hotter.