​“I am delighted to officially start the 2022 Joburg Ladies Open. Hosting such a prestigious tournament at this crucial time for our economy and tourism sector is a timely needed boast. We call upon investors to visit, work and play in our beautiful City of opportunities.

“I have had few training sessions to perfect my swing and I’m happy with the progress, and I have my own golf club now so I can only improve as I’m fairly new in the sport,” said Mayor Phalatse after her first swing at first tee box.

This year marks the first time the Joburg Ladies Open – already one of Johannesburg’s premier sporting events – is co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and the Sunshine Ladies Tour. It is staged at Modderfontein Country Club.

Mayor Phalatse appealed to investors on Thursday, 24 March 2022, to dig deep in their pockets to support the Sunshine Ladies Tour showpiece.

“Tournaments like Joburg Ladies Open and the Joburg Open, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour, showcases the City’s ability to successfully host major events to millions of TV viewers worldwide and the exposure will attract investors into the City,” she said.

The City of Johannesburg upped the ante in its support of the women’s professional golf circuit by raising the prize fund from R500 000 in 2021 to €250 000 (which is equivalent to R4 million). The purse will be shared by the winner, who receives €37 500, and all players who make the cut to 60 and tie at the 36-hole mark.

Mayor Phalatse expressed her thanks and appreciation to the Sunshine Ladies Tour and European Ladies Tour, sponsors and organisers for mounting a tournament that resonates with the Golden start that she promised to City’s residents to turn the City around.

She wished all the golfers the best of luck as they battle it out for top honours come Saturday 26 March.

Written by Luyanda Lunika
24/03/2022