In a groundbreaking moment for the African golfing community, the inaugural Africa Amateur Championship is set to unfold at the prestigious Leopard Creek Golf Club in South Africa from February 21-24, 2024. This historic event promises to showcase the immense talent of amateur golfers from the continent and lay the foundation for a bright future in African Golf.
Leopard Creek, a golfing sanctuary nestled in the heart of South Africa, has long been associated with excellence, having hosted the Alfred Dunhill Championship since 2004; The likes of major champions Ernie Els and Charl Schwartzel have graced its fairways, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history. Now, the Africa Amateur Championship is set to add another chapter to Leopard Creek’s storied legacy.
The Men championship will feature 72 top Amateur golfers from across Africa, Playing a 72 holes stroke play tournament. The stakes are high, with the winner earning a coveted exemption in The 152nd Open at Royal Troon This presents a golden opportunity for these amateur golfers to catapult themselves onto the global stage and compete among the best in the world.
Adding a layer of excitement to the event is an invitational for 20 elite women from the region, who will also showcase their skills at Leopard Creek during the championship week. This inclusion emphasizes the commitment to fostering gender equality and providing a platform for female golfers to shine.
Top ranked african amateur in the official Amteur World Ranking, South African Christiaan Maas is the favorite to win the inaugural tournament, ranked 13th in the world, he set an eye to becoming the first to get such an exemption to play a Major. The life changing opportunity will also motivate the highest ranked Arab amateur, El Mehdi Fakori, winning the tournament will enter him in the history books of Arab Golf becoming the first Arab player to play a Major championship.
While the entire continent will be represented at the Africa Amateur Championship, a special spotlight shines on the Arab players who are poised to make a significant impact, Among them are Hassan Said and Issa Abou Ela from Egypt, from Morocco, the Fakori brothers, Abderrahmane and El Mehdi, along with their compatriots Mohamed Nizar Bourehim, Youssef El Hali, Soufiane Dahmane, Adam Bresnu, and Reda El Hali, form a formidable contingent ready to showcase Morocco’s golfing prowess on the grand stage.
Tunisia’s representatives, Elyes Barhoumi, Mohamed Aziz Dardouri, and Baha Boulakmine, add an exciting dimension to the tournament, further elevating the level of competition.
An invitation event for women will bring the 20 top ranked amateur players to compete for the inaugural win,the talented women from the region, including Sonia Bayahya, Rim Imni, and Abir Taibi from Morocco, promise to bring a touch of elegance and skill to the invitational event, ensuring that the championship remains a celebration of golfing excellence in all its forms.
As the inaugural Africa Amateur Championship tees off, all eyes will be on Leopard Creek, anticipating a showcase of skill, determination, and sportsmanship; This event not only marks a significant milestone for African amateur golf but also sets the stage for a future where the continent’s golfers, including the talented Arab players, continue to make their mark on the international stage. Africa’s amateur golf is on the rise, and the future has never looked brighter.
