EMALAHLENI – The two-day golf tournament hosted by Sambo Records was held at the Bankenveld Golf Course in Emalahleni on July 13 and 14, 2024.
The tournament that drew golfers aged 15 to 50 from across the Nkangala region,
Event organisor Thando Sambo, chairman of Sambo Records and also passionate golfer, shared that the tournament aimed at promoting amateur golfing as well as encouraging active participation in sports. “We are looking at promoting amateur golfing by providing platform for aspiring golfers to compete and gain experience, which is why we have this 36-hole tournament over two days,” he explained.
The tournament format, with 18 holes played each day, was designed to give participants a taste of professional-level competition. The event attracted not only local enthusiasts but also people interested in gaining experience to compete at higher-level tournaments such as the Sunshine Tour, including Vusi Ngobeni.
A total of 30 players participated in the tournament, representing Witbank, Kriel, Middelburg and surrounding towns in the region.
The event, happening twice in a year, has seen significant growth, with this year’s participation doubling from the 16 players who attended last year’s tournament.
“This year’s turnout was good,” Sambo noted. “Last year, there were 16 players, and this year we doubled that number. Golf is not a rich man’s sport; it’s for everyone.”
The tournament saw strong support from sponsors like African Soil and media partners including Highveld Chronicle, ensuring its smooth execution under a perfect weather.
Among notable participants was 15-year-old Giyash Naidoo, who has been playing golf since he was six.
Giyash was accompanied by his father, who was also participant.
He expressed his thoughts on the competition. “It’s a hard game,” he admitted, “but I love the challenge and learning from each experience.”
Reginald “Reggie” Mkhonto, the 2023 champion, also shared his experience. “I didn’t play as well as I hoped, but I’m happy to be competing,” Mkhonto shared.
The following golfers emerged victorious:
Gross Champion:
– Winner: Ryan Stenzel
– Runner-Up: Reggie Mkhonto
Nett Winner: Kenneth Nhlapo
A Division:
– Winner: Prive Naidoo
– Runner-Up: Christo Willemse
B Division:
– Winner: Bruce Moyo
– Runner-Up: Neville Mthethwa
C Division:
– Winner: Nathi Maseko
– Runner-Up: Given Mthombeni
