Brümilda Swartbooi
English professional golfer Lily May Humphreys is returning to the ninth edition of the Joburg Ladies Open to defend her title. Humphreys’ victory in 2023 marked her maiden winning title in the Ladies European Tour. Following her victory at Joburg Ladies Open 2023, she claimed the 2023 Investec Order of Merit title. Bongi Mokaba, the Director of Events Management for the City of Johannesburg, says the city is looking forward to Humphreys’s return. “We appreciate the fact that she is coming back to defend her title. It is commendable. Golfers use tournaments like the Joburg Ladies Open as a stepping-stone for them to make name for themselves and grow and increase their rankings,” says Mokaba. Mokaba adds that competition will be fierce in this year’s edition of the tournament set to take place from Thursday, 18 April, to Sunday, 21 April 2024 at the Modderfontein Golf Course.
Preparations for the tournament are in full swing and the City of Johannesburg is gearing up to host another world-class golf event, which is co-sanctioned by the Sunshine Ladies Tour and Ladies European Tour.
“Planning is going ahead in earnest and we’re setting up at Modderfontein Golf Course. It is always exciting to see something which was once a mere concept come to live to full operation,” Mokaba notes.
For the first time in the history of the Joburg Ladies Open, the tournament will span 72-holes and mirror the format of the men’s competition.
Over 100 golfers will compete for their share in the €300,000 prize purse.
“This year, we’re thrilled to introduce a 72-hole format for the first time, aligning with the men’s competition structure. Over 100 golfers will vie for a share of the €300,000 prize purse,” Mokaba added.
The tournament will feature notable competitors, including Zethu Myeki, who finished ninth in 2021, Nicole Garcia, third-place finisher at the 2022 Joburg Open, 2021 winner Casandra Alexander, and other distinguished players like Nadia van der Westhuizen, Kiera Floyd, and Lee-Anne Pace, the 2016 champion.
The Joburg Ladies Open offers free entry to spectators, encouraging golf fans to register for complimentary tickets at www.sunshinetour.com.
SOURCED FROM THE CITY’S WEBSITE.
