SENIOR STARS WILL AGAIN COMPETE IN SUN CITY

The Nedbank Senior Golf Challenge, played last year as part of the 30th year celebrations of the event, will again be played at the Gary Player Country Club as part of South Africa’s glittering showcase of golf.
“The response from spectators and sponsors, not to mention the players themselves, was so positive that we have decided to host this event again this year,” says Tournament Director of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, Alastair Roper. It was unanimously decided by everyone at the tournament that the 30th “Nedbank” was the best ever – the add-on entertainment included bands playing after the days’ play was a huge success, and added to the carnival-like atmosphere. But it was the addition of the eight-man senior professional field, each player instantly recognizable and all with impressive records on the Tour, that gave the event an added dimension.
“It was gratifying to see the interest shown in the senior event – not only by the older generation of spectators but by a lot of juniors – most of whom would never have the opportunity of seeing these icons of the game in action,” says Roper. “These experienced players also went out of their way to spend time in the sponsor’s hospitality facilities, and they all showed their appreciation for being involved, and for the financial commitment that had been made by our sponsors.”

“Besides the interest in seeing the Tour stars of past in action, the quality of the golf they produced last year, considering that they were playing off the same tees as the regular professionals was remarkable. It is understandable why we have seen a number of over-50 pros continue to be competitive on the regular Tour, and some have even excelled in the Majors long after their 50th birthdays,” added Roper. “We are also fortunate in having developed a rich history during three decades of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, and I am proud to say that without exception all the players, who represent the cream of the world’s golfing talent, have loved playing in the event. This makes our task of luring these champions back for the senior event that much easier.”
The Nedbank Senior Golf Challenge will be played over three rounds beginning on the Thursday 1st December, and the winner will again be presented with a replica of the famous crystal trophy on the 4th December. (Last year the seniors played 36 holes.) The number of spectators that attended the event last year equaled the highest-ever total over the four days, and the 2011 tournament promises to be no different.

Broadlink has announced its involvement in the event for 2011. Mike Brown, Managing Director of Broadlink had the following to add; “Golf has formed an integral part of our brand building and sport sponsorship program for 2011. One of the highlights of our local golf calendar has always been the ‘Nedbank’, and this year’s event will be no different. This event allows the business to leverage its sponsorship by way of television as well as directly with customers and suppliers. Ironically, the game of golf closely mirrors parts of our business model in the architecture of our communications infrastructure roll out – From selecting the right equipment for the job to seeking out the most economical and direct routing to the end point (or flag as it is known in golf). Broadlink truly is - a linking business.”

For more information: www.nedbankgolfchallenge.com