Investec South African Open Championship: Empowering the Papwa Sewgolum Class

In 'Out of the Ordinary' style, Investec will grant their sponsor's invitation to play in The Investec South African Open Championship, to the highest-placed professional, not otherwise exempt, on the Papwa Sewgolum Class Order of Merit.

The second oldest national Open in golf, The Investec South African Open Championship, will be played at Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate from 1 to 4 December 2022. The globally televised championship, boasting a minimum prize fund of $1.5 million, will no doubt add some additional pressure to the recipient of Investec's sponsor's invitation.

True to the brand's belief that the most powerful possibilities are human Peta Dixon, Investec's head of sponsorships, is thrilled to add this opportunity to their already steadfast investment in the Papwa Sewgolum Class.

"Investec remains committed to the values of equality, belonging, inclusion and diversity in all the geographies in which we operate. We recognise that more work needs to be done to promote these values in South African sport and as such, Investec is a proud patron of the Papwa Sewgolum Class. Our approach to partnerships and the impact thereof is consistently driven by our purpose: to create enduring worth, living in, not off, society. Helping promising young golfers who are from historically disadvantaged backgrounds to bridge the financial gap that is often a barrier in golf, allows them to make the leap from amateur to professional golf."

Thomas Abt, commissioner of the Sunshine Tour, notes that the aim of the Papwa Sewgolum Class is to ensure that transformation players, coming through the SA golf ecosystem, are given the opportunity to perform on the professional stage and continue to match their international peers.

"The handover by Investec is indicative of a passionate partner genuinely committed to ensuring that one achieves their full potential. Fully aligned with the Sunshine Tour's vision that 'Greatness Begins Here' this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will not only see exponential growth in the chosen player but will also strengthen the competition within the Papwa Sewgolum Order of Merit. It is every player's dream to play in the Investec SA Open Championship."

The awarded player will be announced following the last counting event, the Altron Big Easy Tour Championship at Country Club Johannesburg from 15 to 17 November 2022.