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Expect cutthroat battle in South Africa - Sunshine Tour Commissioner warns

Golf

By Ochieng Oyugi | Apr 03, 2025

Sunshine Tour Commissioner Thomas Abt addresses journalists at the Sunshine Development Tour (SDT) East Africa Swing Qualifying School finale at the Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort in Naivasha on Thursday, April 3, 2025. [PHOTO/ SUNSHINE TOUR]

The 10 players who have punched tickets to the Sunshine Tour Qualifying School Final Stage set for Heron Banks Golf and River Resort in Johannesburg, South Africa, on April 8-11, 2025, should expect a cutthroat battle.

This was the warning given by Sunshine Tour Commissioner Thomas Abt, who graced the Sunshine Development Tour (SDT) East Africa Swing Qualifying School finale, which concluded at the Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort in Naivasha.

Abt said the East Africa final ten should expect a stiff challenge in Johannesburg that will not only shape their careers, but offer them valuable lessons in the game.

"Golf is more of an individual sport, so they should prepare well before they board that plane to go down south," Abt told Standard Sports.

"The competition will be tough, the contest will be challenging, they need to get ready for it," the Commissioner reiterated.

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"Other than the roughs and the bunkers that are beyond their control, the rest of the action on the fairways and the greens will solely depend on their efforts in the championship," Abt underlined.

While in South Africa, the 10 East Africans will fight for the available 20 slots for the Sunshine Tour Series against the South African Swing and other prolific invited players.

"It's easier to book that ticket when you are hardworking, dedicated and focused on the game," Abt explained.

The Commissioner hailed the four-day Q-School contest in Naivasha that saw a total of 70 players qualify for the SDT East Africa Swing Series that will have a minimum of 10 legs a season.

Also top lady golfer from the event booked a direct ticket to the Sunshine Ladies Tour as the top 10 proceed to South Africa for the final leg of the qualifiers.

"The event in Naivasha was world-class. We are happy with the level of the game displayed by the golfers, it was unbelievable," Abt underscored.

At the end of the East Africa Swing Series this season, the top 30 players will proceed to the Africa showpiece next year to battle for the 12 Sunshine Tour slots and the Sh10 million prize money.

"Through this Series, the East Africa region has a clear pathway to international Tours and the Olympics. This has never happened before," the Commissioner stated.

Abt said the North Africa and the West Africa series swings will be incorporated next season as the Sunshine Tour Series spreads its tentacles across the continent.