The first ever playing of the Africa Amateur Championship will feature 72 of the continent’s most promising elite men’s amateur golfers when it is held at the prestigious Leopard Creek Country Club from 21-24 February.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Kruger National Park, the inaugural championship will provide a world-class platform for the region’s rising talent to compete against each other, with golfers representing 24 nations making up the field.
The winner will earn exemptions into The 152nd Open at Royal Troon, The Amateur Championship, the Alfred Dunhill Championship and the Waterfall City Tournament of Champions, providing life-changing opportunities for the eventual champion.
The week will also see 20 elite women’s amateur golfers compete over 54 holes in the first playing of the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational. The winner will earn starts in The Women’s Amateur Championship, Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open and The Investec South African Women’s Open in 2024, and the Lalla Meryem Cup and Magical Kenya Ladies Open in 2025.
“The creation of the Africa Amateur Championship and Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational reflects our commitment to fostering talent, creating a pathway for aspiring golfers and elevating the standard of amateur golf in the region,” said Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A.
“We want to replicate the success we’ve achieved in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, where our international events for both men and women have become proven platforms for discovering future stars of the sport. A number of these talented golfers have gone on to become major champions and be successful on the professional tours, inspiring others to pursue their ambitions in golf.
“We are thankful for the fantastic support we have received from Mr Johann Rupert, who is a committed and passionate partner, in staging these events at the wonderful Leopard Creek and we look forward to seeing who emerges from the field to etch their names into history as the first winners of these events.”
Rolex is an event partner of the Africa Amateur Championship and Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational and is committed to supporting The R&A’s professional and amateur championships.