SA Open to have major impact – Gungubele
The 103rd South African Open Championships set to take place at the Glendower Golf Club in Edenvale, will have a wide social impact according to Ekurhuleni mayor Mondli Gungubele.
“We have seen the impact a major sporting event like this one has on the region both in terms of promoting the sport among previously excluded communities, and also in terms of skills transfer and business tourism,” says Gungubele.
Ekurhuleni will be hosting the tournament between November 21 to 24 for a third successive time.
Gungubele says that money made from the 2012 edition of the Open, which was broadcasted in more than 40 countries, and exposing the Ekurhuleni brand to the global audience, was spent on Ekurhuleni-based suppliers during the tournament.
“A total of 490 temporary jobs were created in various sectors, especially in the hospitality industry.
“We had opportunities ranging from tour guides, caddies, drivers, security, club house staff, ball spotters, and technicians,” he adds, highlighting the improvement from the 2011 edition where approximately 361 jobs were created.
The SA Open is the second oldest golf tournament after the British Open.
