Ezulwini – More than 100 professional golfers from across the globe, including 15 emaSwati, have teed off at the Ezulwini Golf and Country Club for the fifth FNB Eswatini Challenge, with E396 000 awaiting the winner on Saturday.
The tournament got underway yesterday under the theme ‘Rise to the Challenge’, with players taking to the course after improved weather conditions allowed the competition to proceed.
FNB Eswatini Chief Marketing Officer Sibusile Dlamini said the tournament provided local professionals with an opportunity to compete against an international field while gaining valuable experience.
The local professionals are also competing for a share of E60 000, which FNB Eswatini has set aside for the top three emaSwati players.
The tournament’s winner will walk away with E396 000 and the FNB lower jacket, which has been created by Skonya Republic.
FNB Eswatini is the main sponsor of the tournament, with AD Enterprises, Destiny Music, MTN, Oracle and Skonya Republic coming on board as partners.
The competition is being held in partnership with Sunshine Tour teams, who have been working with the organisers in staging the fifth edition of the tournament.
While the professionals battle for the top prize, young golfers will also get their opportunity to compete when the FNB Eswatini Junior Golf Challenge takes place today at the MTN Golf Park.
The junior tournament will feature 30 young golfers drawn from Eswatini’s four regions, giving them an opportunity to gain competitive experience and develop their skills.
Beyond the golf course, the tournament has brought an influx of players and visitors into the country, with hotels and other accommodation establishments recording increased activity.
Retail businesses are also expected to benefit from the movement of visitors during the tournament.
The presence of international golfers has also provided an opportunity to showcase Eswatini as a host for international sporting events while giving local professionals a chance to compete on home soil.
The FNB Eswatini Challenge will conclude on Saturday when the overall champion is crowned and awarded the E396 000 winner’s prize and FNB lower jacket.
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