Come the second week in February, Tshwane will once again be in the global spotlight as 156 of the world’s top golfers tee off at the magnificent Pretoria Country Club for the fourth Tshwane Open tournament.
Bigger, better and brighter, the 2016 Tshwane Open takes place from 11 to 14 February so save the dates and make sure you don’t miss out on this exciting event that is part of the prestigious Sunshine Tour co-sanctioned by the European Tour.
In just its fourth year the tournament is blazing an international name for itself as a must-play tournament attracting some of the world’s best. The Tshwane Open has helped establish South Africa as one of the most successful hosts of European Tour events globally, according to the organisers.
This year’s Open is expected to draw record crowds – attendance climbs every year – and it will also be broadcast live into more than 200 million homes.
George Coetzee wins 2015
The 2015 tournament saw a fairy-tale finish for Tshwane native George Coetzee who become the first golfer in seven years to win a European Tour trophy at his home club.
Coetzee kept his cool to take a one-stroke victory over Jacques Blaauw – his second European Tour title, following the 2014 Joburg Open. This was coming full circle for Coetzee – it was on this course that he won his first golf tournament as a 10-year-old.
Just two months later Coetzee won the inaugural AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.
Food, fun and a little history
However, the Tshwane Open is “about more than just golf”, there are a range of entertainment options on offer alongside the cracking golf.
On the course are market stalls, live entertainment and activities for the youngsters, while around the city are a host of activities and events to attend.
If you’re a visitor spend some time exploring Tshwane. You’ll discover a unique city filled with many great experiences: it’s a city of sport, a city of art and culture; it has a lively nightlife and wonderful restaurants.
And, a visit is not complete without touring the city’s heritage sites. Every itinerary should include the impressive Freedom Park, which captures the story of South Africa from the dawn of time; the bustling Church Square in the city’s CBD with its many 19th century buildings; the quirky mining town of Cullinan, where the world’s largest diamond was found more than a century ago; and the traditional Ndebele village of Mabhoko with its intricately decorated houses.
Equally impressive are the Voortrekker Monument and the Union Buildings, where a nine metre statue of Nelson Mandela greets visitors with open arms.
You need not travel far to experience the country’s wildlife. Tshwane is the only city in the world in which the Big Five roam free within municipal boundaries, at the Dinokeng Game Reserve. And, it’s a malaria-free zone.
Golf courses galore
After watching some of the world’s best golfers in action you may feel the urge to get out on the fairways yourself. Tshwane has a number of great courses.
There’s the bushveld experience at the Akasia Country Club or the parklands Peter Matkovich-designed Centurion Country Club; the magnificent scenery on offer at the Silver Lakes Golf Estate or the challenging Pebble Rock Golf Course with water hazards on 11 holes.
You can also tee off at the Ernie Els-designed club at Copperleaf, venue of the inaugural Tshwane Open, or tee off at the well-known Zwartkop Country Club, which has seen a number of golfing greats striding across the green – players of the likes of Bobby Locke, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros, Lee Trevino, Nick Faldo, Ernie Els, Nick Price and Retief Goosen.
All in all, Tshwane’s a wonderful place to explore, so join us at the 2016 Tshwane Open next month – it’s more than just golf!
