11 July 2014
Louis Oosthuizen, the winner of the 2010 Open Championship, is extending his commitment to junior golf development in South Africa by expanding his sponsorship of the Louis Oosthuizen South African Junior Club Championship by a further three years.
Oosthuizen made the announcement on Thursday, on the eve of the 2014 Open Championship, where he will pursue a second major title in a world class field at Royal Liverpool Golf Club next week.
He said the overwhelming support of the event prompted his decision.
Giving back
“I have enjoyed a lot of success in my career and I have always felt duty bound to give back to junior golf in South Africa for the backing I received as a young player,” Oosthuizen explained.
“I founded the Louis Oosthuizen Junior Golf Academy in 2009. Two years later, we launched the Louis Oosthuizen SA Junior Club Championship to encourage junior golf development at club level.
“The popularity of the championship has simply exceeded our expectation. Last year’s event drew 18 teams from across all the unions in South Africa. The growth of the championship has been extremely positive and I am delighted to extend my sponsorship of the event.”
Welcomed
South African Golf Association president Andre Pieterse welcomed the Oosthuizen’s ongoing commitment to junior golf development.
“We are extremely grateful that Louis is continuing his support of the event,” Pieterse said. “Juniors thrive on competition and the championship has definitely added another exciting dimension to our existing schedule.
“The championship not only motivates the juniors to strive to make their club teams, but definitely encourages their love of and commitment to the game.”
Tournament host
The host of the popular team event announced that this year’s championship will be played from 12 to14 September and will be hosted by the Mossel Bay Golf Club, where the Louis Oosthuizen Junior Golf Academy originated.
“I have fond memories of Mossel Bay Golf Club, because the club played a very important role in the development of my game, especially in my junior days when I played league for the club,” Oosthuizen said.
15-under-par 57
The host venue was also the venue where the multiple international winner shot an incredible 15-under-par 57 in December 2002.
“That 57 was my lowest round and really pushed me to commit to a career in golf,” he said.
“I believe that it is very important to give young golfers something to aspire to. I hope that the memorabilia and the 57 scorecard in the club house will encourage the juniors to chase their dreams and inspire their commitment to the game.”
SAinfo reporter
