In a relaxed atmosphere outside the Hyatt Regency Oubaai, Gideon Sam, Chairman of South African Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), officially opened the inspirational South African Golf Museum with the assistance of Sally Little and Selvin Govender, by cutting the ribbon in front of 120 invited guests.
Sam reminded everyone how important it was not to lose the heritage of South African heroes and that such a facility can be used to inspire the next generation of champions, something SASCOC was very proud to support.
Sam mentioned that although he has golf clubs, he has not played for many years, whereupon Sally Little invited him to have some lessons from her.
Selvin Govender, General Manager Marketing Cars, then announced Mercedes-Benz's three-year sponsorship of the South African Golf Museum and Hall of Fame. This is to enable school children to visit the museum and inspire the next generation to become champions.
It was a pleasant surprise for Barry Cohen, co-founder of the Museum, when Bertu Nel handed over Louis' no. 4-iron which he used to hole-out for two and score an albatross at the 2012 US Masters, (a shot which was seen on television worldwide, and only the second albatross ever scored at the Masters).
Ivano Ficalbi, CEO of the PGA, then announced that the PGA now had a non-sexist policy and awarded Sally Little with honourary membership of the PGA. Those witnessing the opening included many politicians, celebrities and golfing icons such as John Bland, Vincent Tshabalala, Papwa Sewgolum's son Rajen and grandson Nisharlan, Denis Hutchinson who was the Master of Ceremonies, Sally Little, Roger Wessels and others.
As guests enjoyed the entertainment and mingled, those touring the museum were astounded by the quality of the memorabilia, stories of years gone by, trophies of champions, the Hall of Fame and the ability to connect by touching and feeling the memorabilia.
A memorable day was had by all as the opening was preceded by a golf morning - in perfect weather.
The highlight for participants was the opportunity to win the latest Mercedes-Benz for a hole-in-one on the picturesque 17th hole, and where Ron Boon and Nisharlan Sewgolum so nearly holed out.
View more photos here.
At the official opening of the SA Museum of Golf - Bertu Nel presented the co-founder of the museum, Barry Cohen, with no. 4 golf iron used to score an albatross at the 2012 US Masters. Photo: Kelvin Saunders
