The countdown has begun with just a few days to go before tee-off on October 29 until November 5 for the prestigious 17th amateur World Golfers Championship, which is being hosted in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa for the first time at Fairmont Zimbali Resort.
“Preparations are in full swing as we prepare to showcase the ‘best of the best’ in championship amateur golfing. In memory of the recent sad passing of Sven Tumba, the founder of World Golfers Championship, this World Final will be dedicated to his memory and the inspiration he gave to amateur golfers worldwide over the past 17 years,” said Craig Clay-Smith, spokesman for World Golf Events South Africa, the event owners and organisers who have brought this prestigious event to Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa for three years, 2011 – 2013. Zimbali Coastal Resort was selected as host venue, a huge feather in the cap of this North Coast gem.
Team South Africa are in high spirits as they prepare to take up the challenge for an amateur world golfing title, both individually and as a team, against more than 30 participating countries, who, for many, will be visiting South Africa for the first time.
“We are happy to be coming to South Africa as some of our golfers have not seen Africa yet. It’s with great pleasure that my team will be part of the championship and we do hope to maintain this friendship with World Golf Events South Africa even after the championship,” said Thailand’s team captain Somchai K.
Carry Persson, team captain for Switzerland, had this to say about the championship, “My team and I are looking forward to coming to South Africa this year for World Golfers Championship. I am preparing my team with good spirit and we are really excited about meeting the other teams and staying in what I would call the best hotel ever, Fairmont Zimbali Resort.”
K Jothikamalingam, the team captain for India, who believes that his team will be formidable at the17th Amateur World Golfers Championship, said, “My team feels highly enthusiastic that South Africa is the host of The 17th World Golfers Championship this year, as it is also our first visit to South Africa. Fairmont Zimbali Resort is an internationally acclaimed brand name and as a high-end hospitality group, I am highly excited and looking forward to staying at this renowned resort. Preparations are in full swing and we are confident that we will be a formidable team.”
Opportunity to showcase
Wessel Witthuhn President IFA Hotels & Resorts Africa and Indian Ocean, commented, “We are extremely proud to be hosting the championship, and having the opportunity to showcase our magnificent facilities. Since visiting us for the first time to play in the Team South Africa Final, some of the South African players have purchased a vacation product and we have no doubt that our tourism will be boosted when the international players have experienced the 5-star Fairmont Zimbali Resort.”
After receiving the ‘royal thumbs up’ from the WGC international contingent, who came out earlier this year to inspect the championship venue, four of KZN’s most prestigious golf courses will be hosting the event, namely Zimbali Country Club, Prince’s Grant, Durban Country Club and Umhlali Country Club.
“Durban Country Club is delighted to showcase its facilities both at the Club and in KwaZulu-Natal as a whole. The quality of our courses combined with our climate and world-class tourism facilities makes us the ideal destination for any golfer. I look forward to welcoming them to the Durban Country Club and showing them all that we have to offer,” said Jason Bird, Director of Sport, Durban Country Club.
CEO of Tourism Kwazulu-Natal, Ndabo Khoza, said, “This event is an incredible achievement for the province and our tourism and business stakeholders have embraced the opportunity to expose our magnificent product to the world. We cannot wait to welcome players from around the world and are sure that our exceptional hospitality and unique cultural experience will create memories of a lifetime.”
Zamo Gwala, Chief Executive Officer, Trade & Investment commented further, “World Golfers Championship will provide KZN with a platform to showcase its key economic sectors. The participants are key decision makers and captains of industry who are always on the lookout for investment opportunities. It is critical that the province continues to host events after the 2010 Soccer World Cup in order to extend the momentum of the province internationally.”
World Golfers Championship has for the past 16 years united amateur golfers from all over the world through the love of the sport and in doing so has further promoted friendships with business across continents. The opportunity to experience playing in an international championship has been described by Team South Africa as “out of this world” and despite the nervousness of competing like “a pro” our players are confident of winning an amateur world golfing title for South Africa.
Clay-Smith concluded, “We are looking forward to a successful World Final thanks to our valued sponsors and partners who have played an integral part in bringing this event together for KwaZulu-Natal. Thirty or more countries will be here competing in either the Championship or invitational event. We wish Team South Africa the best of luck and trust they will continue to embrace the opportunity of forging new friendships abroad through their love of golf.”
For info: www.wgesa.com