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GEORGE NEWS - The Home of Golf Cup Finals, held at the Oubaai Golf Estate on Saturday 31 October, formed part of a broader initiative to position the Garden Route as a leading national and international golfing and tourism destination.
According to Charl Marais, managing director of the non-profit organisation George Joint Marketing Association (GJMA), the tournament is about much more than golf.
Marais, Leroy Ferreira of Fancourt and Joan Shaw of George Tourism are driving the Home of Golf Africa (Hoga) initiative, which aims to promote the region’s golf courses alongside its outdoor attractions, adventure activities and natural beauty.
Marais said that while tourists are familiar with destinations such as Cape Town and the Kruger National Park, many remain unaware of what the Garden Route has to offer.
The initiative aims to position the region as an attractive lifestyle and tourism destination, with its mountains, forests, hiking trails and golf courses forming part of a co-ordinated marketing strategy.
Garden Route Mayor Marais Kruger took off his shoes and socks at the third hole during Friday’s practice round, hoping to win a pair of Gilnokie socks. Photo: Renier van der Linde
A key objective is to attract more visitors during the traditionally quieter winter months.
Hoga seeks to bring the 12 participating courses together under one marketing banner, allowing golfers to experience the variety of courses and scenery across the Garden Route.
Tournament attracts 265 players and 724 rounds of golf
This year’s Home of Golf Cup final at Oubaai Golf Estate forms part of an annual event that rotates between participating courses.
According to Marais, 265 golfers participated in the tournament, which catered for both social and competitive players.
Marais emphasised that the GJMA does not retain any profits from the initiative and that the organisers are not remunerated. Instead, funds are reinvested in marketing activities intended to benefit the wider tourism industry.
The objective is to generate economic opportunities beyond golf estates, including for businesses and tourism operators associated with the region's outdoor and adventure attractions.
MUSTBrothers Quain and Dylan du Plessis with Jess Robinson of Gilnokie. Photo: Renier van der Linde
More golfing events planned
The next event, the Hoga Sundowner Challenge, is scheduled to take place from 13 to 15 December as part of the George Festival.
Golfers will have the opportunity to play nine holes at each of three venues: Kingswood Golf Estate, George Golf Club and Oubaai Golf Estate.
Entries are open, and more information is available through participating golf clubs and the Home of Golf Africa website, homeofgolf.africa.
Planning is also under way for next year’s Hoga Cup, which is expected to run from April to October. The final is scheduled to take place at Kingswood on 16 and 17 November.
The organisers are planning a change to the competition format that will allow 20 teams to compete over two days.
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