BP Botswana has been sponsoring the Orapa, Jwaneng and Selebi-Phikwe Open tournaments through its Castrol brand. The company announced last week that it is withdrawing its operations in some southern African countries including Botswana.
BGU executive secretary, Roger Lal acknowledged that the withdrawal will be a major blow and they will engage whoever takes the fuel supplier's place to support golf. Lal said they have not yet discussed with BP the repercussions of the withdrawal, but the two sides will meet soon to talk about the matter. He said there is very little BGU can do about the company's departure, although no timeframe has been set for the withdrawal. BP Botswana has already committed to sponsoring the Jwaneng Open at the end of the month. "We will engage whoever takes over and tell them that BP has been supporting golf," Lal said. He said although the departure of BP Botswana will be a blow, BGU has been cushioned by a number of companies stepping forward to support golf.
