Investec has significantly strengthened its commitment to South African golf with the extension of its comprehensive support of the men’s and women’s professional game as well as the development of the game.
The extended partnership reinforces Investec's long-term commitment to South African sport and the pathways that help local talent compete on the biggest international stages.
On the occasion of the 115th Investec South African Open Championship at Stellenbosch Golf Club this week, Investec announced a further five-year extension of its title sponsorship of the Investec South African Open on the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour.
Further to this, Investec also announced another five-year extension of its patron support of the Papwa Sewgolum Class, the Sunshine Tour’s official transformation programme for previously disadvantaged golfers who seek to turn professional.
To this end, Investec has rewarded Karabo Mokoena, as the leading Papwa Sewgolum Class member, with an exemption in the Investec South African Open this week.
In women’s golf, Investec announced a five-year extension of its title support of the Investec South African Women’s Open on the Sunshine Ladies Tour and Ladies European Tour, including a further R1 million investment into the total prize fund for this championship.
The women’s game will also continue to benefit from the Investec Order of Merit on the Sunshine Ladies Tour and the R200 000 bonus for the season’s overall champion, and the R100 000 Investec Homegrown Award should the winner of the women’s national Open be a South African. These commitments are focused on building depth in the women’s game and creating more opportunities for South African players to progress.
It's another significant investment in South African golf from a company that has been supporting the local game for over 14 years.
“We are deeply invested in South African golf, and we see this as a long-term commitment to the people and platforms that strengthen the game,” said Peta Dixon, Head of Sponsorships at Investec.
“These championships are a stage where South African talent can be celebrated both at home and internationally, and tested against the best. We also want more young players to be able to see a route into the professional ranks, which is why the Papwa Sewgolum Class matters.”
The announcement comes during the most momentous week in South African golf, with the 115th Investec South African Open welcoming a world-class field led by Patrick Reed and Ernie Els all chasing a Masters exemption for the winner and a place in the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale for the top three finishers who are not exempt.
“We are extremely privileged to have Investec as such a loyal and passionate supporter of our game. Their support of both of our national men’s and women’s Open is a unique alignment of the greatness we see in the potential of South African golf. And it feeds seamlessly into their status as a patron of the Papwa Sewgolum Class and their proudly
"Homegrown vision of supporting local talent. We’re proud to have them as a partner, and this week’s 115th Investec South African Open will be a fitting showcase of this wonderful partnership,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.