Golf SA nominated for Federation of the Year at SA Sports Awards

Golf SA has been nominated for Federation of the Year at the SA Sports Awards. It is one of three federations in contention, alongside Tennis South Africa and Cricket South Africa.

The nomination has come as a surprise to Golf SA, but the federation sees it as important recognition of its work. Van Schalkwyk said the acknowledgement reflected the effort invested in growing and promoting golf, particularly since the Covid period.

Golf enters the category as the underdog, according to Van Schalkwyk, who expects a difficult contest against the two other national federations. Regardless of the outcome, he believes the nomination is a significant moment for the sport and those involved in its development.

Golf SA continues to face problems reaching disadvantaged communities, where access to the sport remains limited. The federation is working to reduce those barriers and expand golf’s presence across more parts of South Africa.

Its development programmes are supported mainly through sponsorship rather than government funding. The R&A provides sponsorship, with that money directed towards development, while Golf SA chairman Johann Rupert is also identified as one of the federation’s major backers.

The nomination comes before Golf SA’s next major assignment, the African Championships in October. Preparations are already in progress for the national federation’s bid to defend its continental title.