Staff Reporter
Johannesburg’s executive mayor, Dada Morero, handed the ceremonial opening tee shot of the Joburg Open to a 10-year-old golfer from the township of Alexandra on Thursday, in what the city called a break with tradition aimed at showcasing youth talent on an international stage.
The city said Tshiamo “Tshitshi” Makamedi took to the tee “not merely as a promising young golfer, but as a beacon of hope, perseverance, and the boundless potential that resides within the diverse communities of our city”.
Makamedi started playing golf about two-and-a-half years ago and has earned medals at international junior tournaments.
The Joburg Open is being played from 5 to 8 March at Houghton Golf Club, and is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and South Africa’s Sunshine Tour.
“While golf is often perceived as a sport reserved for the privileged, Tshitshi’s inspiring narrative underscores the truth that talent transcends boundaries; it merely requires the opportunity to flourish,” the city said.
The Joburg Open is in its 18th edition, having been founded in 2007, with previous host venues including Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club and Randpark Golf Club. Houghton is staging the tournament for a fourth season in a row.
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