The 2014 Tshwane Open teed off at The Els Club Copperleaf on Thursday, with the Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Councillor Kgosientso Ramokgopa, hitting the ceremonial tee shot.
The €1.5 million tournament, which is co-sanctioned by The European and Sunshine Tours, is one of the most lucrative in South African golf, and has drawn a strong field in only its second year.
“The inaugural tournament surpassed our expectations, and we are looking forward to growing the Tshwane Open,” said Ramokgopa.
“It’s important that we take this tournament to another level, especially with the development work in the previously disadvantaged areas.”
Ramokgopa said the true value of the tournament lies in its ability to showcase the city of Tshwane to a global audience.
He added: “The media coverage we are getting is upwards of R600 million, and we are reaching over 300 million homes around the world, so people begin to appreciate the city from a different angle. This tournament gives us a platform that never existed before.”
