In a groundbreaking move, the R&A is set to host the inaugural Africa Amateur Championship at Leopard Creek Country Club in South Africa in February 2024.
This historic event promises to elevate amateur golf in Africa, offering participants a chance to shine on the global stage.
The coveted winner of the Africa Amateur Championship will be granted exemptions to The Amateur Championship 2024, The Open 2024, and the Alfred Dunhill Championship 2024. Meanwhile, runners-up will secure exemptions to Final Qualifying for The Open 2024.
Simultaneously, the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational will take place at Leopard Creek Country Club. The champion of this women’s event will earn an exemption to Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open 2024, along with invitations to The Investec South African Women’s Open 2024, Lalla Meryem Cup 2025, and the Magical Kenya Ladies Open 2025.
David Ndung’u, Kenya Golf Union Vice Chairman and Tournament Director, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “These events mark a significant leap forward for amateur golf in Africa, providing a platform for the continent’s top talents to showcase their skills on an international stage.”
Eligibility for the Africa Amateur Championship mandates that players hail from African countries affiliated with The R&A, be members of a golf club linked to the National Golf Association, and possess Amateur Status as per R&A Rules Limited and the USGA.
Their Handicap Index should not exceed 5.4, and they must be highly ranked in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, eligible to represent their national team.
The starting field of 72 for the Africa Amateur Championship will include the top two players in WAGR® from each affiliated African country, the top three players in the 2023 All Africa Junior Golf Teams Championship individual competition, and up to three players from The R&A’s Africa High-Performance Programme.
For the Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational, 20 competitors will participate, including the top three WAGR players from each affiliated African country.
Up to three players from The R&A’s Africa High-Performance Programme may be selected at the Committee’s discretion, with the remaining spots chosen by the Committee.
Ndung’u emphasized, “The exemptions and opportunities provided to the winners underscore our goal of not only celebrating excellence but also facilitating the continued development of our golfing community.” The R&A aims to attract the strongest fields for these landmark events, creating a platform for Africa’s golfing talents to shine.
