By Ntokozo Magongo
The country will once again be the center of attraction within the golf fraternity as it will play host to the FNB Eswatini Challenge in early August.
The tournament sponsored to over E2 million by FNB Eswatini is under the Sunshine Tour and it is set to attract golfers from all over the world, coming from countries including the majority of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Portugal, Greece and Scotland among others.
The annual tournament will be played for over three rounds from August 1 to 3rd at the Nkonyeni Lodge and Golf Estate. Last year it attracted about 130 golfers with South Africa’s golfer Peter Karmis reigning supreme and pocketing over E300 000.
The tournament is already under the Sunshine Tour scheduled released for 2024.
There are three Emaswati who are currently active under the Sunshine tour, taking part in tournaments players across the African continent. They are Eswatini Royal Insurance Corporation (ESRIC) Brand Ambassador James Pennington, Mandla Dlamini Jnr and Brandon Jude Rennie.
According to the sunshinetour.com, Nkonyeni Residential Golf Estate already features one world-class Championship Golf course, designed by Phil Jacobs, previously associated with the Gary Player Group. The Course was further constructed by Robert Richardson from (Tee to Green Projects).
The course meanders through the private game reserve, and provides old and young players with a unique experience at the 18th hole, offering a shot across the Usuthu River onto an island surrounded by magnificent rocks.
