The Investec South African Women’s Open, proudly sponsored by Investec, concluded another thrilling chapter at the Erinvale Country and Golf Estate from April 25th to 28th. This prestigious golf event, co-sanctioned by the Sunshine Ladies Tour and the Ladies European Tour, showcased top-tier talent from around the world competing for a substantial prize purse of approximately R6.5 million (€320,000), making it the most lucrative season finale on the Sunshine Ladies Tour.
Belgium’s Manon De Roey emerged victorious, capturing a remarkable four-stroke win. De Roey’s triumph marked her second Ladies European Tour victory and her inaugural victory on the Sunshine Ladies Tour. Throughout the tournament, she displayed exceptional skill and composure, navigating through challenging windy conditions with ease. Her dominance on the course reflected her ability to adapt and excel under pressure.
The Erinvale Country & Golf Estate provided a fitting backdrop for this historic tournament. Renowned for its championship history, Erinvale has hosted notable golf events, including the Investec South African Open and the Men’s World Cup of Golf.
The addition of the Investec South African Women’s Open to Erinvale’s prestigious list of hosted events underscores the tournament’s growth and international acclaim. Investec’s steadfast commitment to women’s golf was evident through its sponsorship of the tournament, alongside the Investec Order of Merit and the Investec Homegrown Award. Peta Dixon, head of sponsorships at Investec, emphasized the company’s dedication to elevating women’s golf and supporting homegrown talent within the sport.
The tournament provided a platform for talented athletes to showcase their skills and inspire the next generation of golfers.
The competition featured a stellar lineup of professionals, including South Africa’s Lee-Anne Pace, who sought a record sixth Investec South African Women’s Open title. The field also included former champions and rising stars from around the world, adding to the excitement and intensity of the tournament.
In a gesture of generosity and community engagement, the tournament offered free admission to spectators, providing an opportunity for fans to witness elite golfing action firsthand. Additionally, initiatives aimed at nurturing young talent and promoting inclusivity were highlighted, furthering Investec’s commitment to giving back to the community. Overall, the Investec South African Women’s Open showcased the pinnacle of women’s golf, combining exceptional athleticism with a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
As the tournament concluded, Investec’s dedication to excellence and innovation in supporting women’s golf remained steadfast, reinforcing its position as a leader in the financial services industry. Nicole Garcia finished as the leading South African in fourth place on eight under par. This also secured her second place on the Investec Order of Merit and, as the leading South African here, she won herself a Renault for the year.
Women’s Golf Attracts New Investment
Investec signs 25-year-old pro-golfer Danielle du Toit
Long-time women’s sport advocate, Investec, has announced the sponsorship of professional golfer, Danielle du Toit.
This investment is the latest development in the rapidly expanding sporting category, and aptly coincides with the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration of female achievement.
In what she describes as the most exciting time for women’s sport in history, du Toit says that the crucial success factor behind not only individual sporting success, but the overall elevation of women’s golf, is consistency. “Across the globe and here in South Africa we are seeing the massive growth of women’s golf, creating exciting new opportunities for players, and encouraging more participation than ever before.
This has been made possible by steadfast strength and tenacity of female athletes, and the investment and commitment that organisations like Investec have shown to women’s golf over the past decade,” she says.
Commenting on the steadily increasing interest and support of women’s golf in South Africa, Peta Dixon, head of sponsorships at Investec, explains the importance of the development of homegrown female talent in the game.
“Golf is both a strong passion point for so many South Africans, and a significant driver of socio-economic benefits in the country. Contributing an estimated R49 billion to our economy, or roughly 4% of our GDP, the industry accounts for about 40,000 crucial jobs annually.
“We have long seen the value of this industry and continue to actively push the agenda of gender equality, belonging, inclusion and diversity through golf. We obviously have some way to go – but we’re proud of the journey we’ve made to date, and we would like to see spectators and other sponsors join us in elevating women’s sport in South Africa,” Dixon adds.
Among the many ways that Investec plays a pivotal role in supporting women’s golf in South Africa includes the brand’s long-standing partnership with the Sunshine Ladies Tour,
celebrating its 11th anniversary this year, as well as its increased contribution to the SA Women’s Open – celebrating the 31st edition this year. Thanks to the organisation’s commitment, The Investec SA Women’s Open now offer the biggest prize purse in southern Africa, seeing players competing for €320,000 (approximately R6,5 million) this year, with the winner receiving €51,200 (over R1,05 million).
“We proudly support women in sport and believe that our investment will go a long way towards affording more female golfers the opportunity to not only play and perform, but to earn well too.” Dixon continues.
In addition, Investec is the proud title sponsor of the Investec South African Women’s Open, Investec Order of Merit and the Investec Homegrown Award. Other Investec-sponsored professional players include Nicole Garcia and Zethu Myeki in South Africa, as well as Irish player Stephanie Meadow.
Setting the ambitious goal for herself to achieve top 20 status on the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit and a 70-stroke average as she joins the ranks of such Out of the Ordinary talent, du Toit offers her words of wisdom to other aspiring new female sports stars, “Be open to advice and be willing to learn, but never lose sight of who you are and what your strengths are.
Your belief in your own abilities is one of your greatest assets.”
