Lack of sponsorship cripples golf
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday September 18, 2015 14:46
BGU vice president-south, Mpho Kelosiwang painted a gloomy picture when he said they are struggling to secure sponsorship particularly for junior development.
Kelosiwang told Mmegi Sport that companies would rather sponsor a social tournament than a development one, which is killing the game.
He gave an example of the Independence Trophy tournament that takes place at Phakalane Golf Estate this weekend. He said the tournament does not have a sponsor since Stanbic Bank pulled out last year.
He said they had to seek assistance from the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) to make the event possible.
“Businesses are more interested in associating with decision makers such as chief executive officers than investing in the future. That is not good for development and we are struggling to attract sponsors, not even to sponsor a half-way house,” Kelosiwang said in disappointment.
Despite that he said BGU should make the sport attractive to potential investors through increased participation. He said an investor would want to see value for their money.
Meanwhile, the Independence Trophy will be played on Saturday and ends on Sunday. The tournament is open to both men and women.
Kelosiwang said the men’s section would be divided into three categories being A Division for players with Handicap 0-9, B Division for golfers with Handicap 10-16 and C Division for Handicap 17-24. The women’s section will be divided into two categories; being A Division (Handicap 0-15) and B Division (Handicap 16 to 30).
Kelosiwang said the Independence Trophy is one of the prestigious tournaments in the BGU calendar. He said the nett score will determine the overall winner and because of that, the tournament provides every participant with an equal chance of bagging the championship.
Kelosiwang said the tournament is a medal competition and the winner would be determined over 36 holes over the two days.
“Over the past years, this tournament has proven to be extremely popular and this year is not an exception. We expect over 150 participants from within and outside Botswana,” Kelosiwang said.
He said BGU took the decision to open all their events, except Botswana Open to women golfers. He said the move would enhance their unique selling points that golf is a family sport.
Kelosiwang said the move aims at improving the quality of women golfers by giving them more competitive opportunities.
Meanwhile, BGU elected a new committee in Gaborone last weekend. The committee comprises; Enoch Mushango (president), John Dzungu (vice president north and administration), Minkie Molatlhegi (vice president-women) Tumelo Selikane (secretary general), Peter Podise (treasurer), Richard Moyo (member-competitions), Harold van Zyl (member-sponsorship) and Gabriel Tjitjo (member-development.