SA Business supports Women’s World Cup of Golf

(Johannesburg, 2 February 2005) South African companies have thrown their full financial weight behind the inaugural Women’s World Cup of Golf at the Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate from February 10-13.

The Pam Golding Property Group, Avis, Birdi Golf Apparel and Dermalogica South Africa are the latest to come on board as sponsors of this prestigious event, which will feature 40 teams from around the world competing for a $1-million purse on The Links course.

The Pam Golding Property Group’s sponsorship of the event strengthens their already significant impact on the country’s golfing landscape.

According to Andrew Golding, Chief Executive of the Pam Golding Property Group, the global event – the first of its kind in the history of women’s golf – offers the perfect synergy for the property giants in their role as official real estate consultants at Fancourt and also as a long-time supporter of women’s professional golf in South Africa as a sponsor of the Pam Golding Ladies International, one of the tournaments on the Nedbank Woman’s Golf Tour.

“We recognise the important role that female golfers play in the development of the property market,” said Golding. “They wield immense power in terms of their purchasing decisions when it comes to our golf estates such as Fancourt, and indeed, for property in general.”

“But more than this, we are – as a proudly South African company – extremely delighted to be part of history in the making, and look forward to providing an invaluable service to all golfers.”

Giltedge Travel, a member of the Pam Golding Group of Companies, will also act as the official travel partner for the Women’s World Cup of Golf.

Birdi Golf Apparel has signed on as the official clothing supplier to the Women’s World Cup of Golf. Birdi has long been involved in the women’s game in South Africa as official clothing supplier to the Women’s Golf Programme.

“It was therefore natural for us to be approached to be the official clothing suppliers of the Women’s World Cup of Golf,” said Len Lewison, the Managing Director of Birdi Golf Apparel.

The sponsorship will cover clothing for all the tournament’s officials, including marshals, recording and office staff, for the three days of the event as well as shirts for the invited guests of the Pro-Am.

The designs are the latest in the Birdi range for Ladies and Men’s golf fashion.

Avis Rent a Car will be the car rental supplier to the event.

“Avis is honoured to be part of this world-class event with co sponsors like South African Airways, Sentech, SABC Sport, SAP, Audi, ABSA and IDC,” says general manager of marketing Nic Griffin.

“Avis sponsors events such as the Presidents Cup and the Nedbank Golf Challenge and by keeping to our promise of consistently trying harder we have proved to be an involved and pro-active sponsor.”

Dermalogica South Africa was the latest to announce its sponsorship. The tournament takes place in the height of South Africa’s summer, and Dermalogica will be supporting both players and spectators alike with the most advanced skincare product and consultancy available.

Lee Hardie, founder and owner of Dermalogica S.A. said: “Synergies between Dermalogica and golf are clearly evident. Dermalogica emphatically supports the health and the wellbeing of women, and is committed to the empowerment and development of people”.

Background

The first Women’s World Cup of Golf will take place at the Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate in South Africa from February 11-13 2005, with the three major stakeholders, the Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour, the LPGA Tour and the WPGA of South Africa, fully endorsing another historic milestone in the women’s game.