The Sunshine Tour’s development drive swings into action this week when the overseers of professional golf in Southern Africa host their annual 36-hole Development Strokeplay tournament for aspiring black golfers.
A total of 51 black golfers with a handicap of four or better will tee off at the Observatory Golf Club on July 8 and 9 in an attempt to qualify for playing privileges on the tour and, in the case of some, receive financial assistance from the tour.
The leading three golfers upon conclusion of the tournament will be awarded full playing privileges on the tour and receive financial assistance in terms of travel and accommodation.
All golfers finishing within five strokes of the winner will also gain playing privileges on the tour, but will not receive financial assistance.
The initiative is part of the Sunshine Tour’s aim of allowing previously disadvantaged players the opportunity to become professional golfers.
Last year, Soweto golfer Mawonga Nomwa cruised to a seven-shot victory in this event.
Nomwa is back to try and qualify again this year, with last year’s golfers who qualified forced to do so again in order to ensure that true development takes place in the sense of rewarding those who continue to show improvement.
The brothers Peter and Charlie Msiza, who finished second and third respectively last year, are also back in an attempt to qualify again.
The effect of the Sunshine Tour’s development initiative was evidenced by the fact that at last year’s Royal Swazi Sun Classic, an unprecedented seven black professional made the halfway cut.
”This is a very important initiative which is benefiting South African golf as a whole,” said Theo Manyama, the Sunshine Tour’s Chief Rules Official who will oversee the tournament. – Sapa