The ten 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 competition.
This was the warning given by the Sunshine Tour Commissioner Thomas Abt who graced the Sunshine Development Tour (SDT) East Africa Swing Qualifying School finale that concluded at the Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort in Naivasha on Thursday.
Abt said the East Africa final ten should expect stiff challenge in Johannesburg that will not only shape their careers, but will 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 really need to get ready for it,” the Commissioner said.
“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 said.
While in South Africa, the 10 East Africans will fight for the available 20 slots for the Sunshine Tour Series against the South Africa Swing and other prolific invited players.
“It’s easier to book that ticket when you are hardworking, dedicated and focused in the game,” Abt said.
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 ten 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 said.
At the end of the East Africa Swing Series this season, 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 on offer.
“Through the Series, the East Africa region now has a clear pathway to international Tours and the Olympics,” the Commissioner said.
