Kruger Park News Archive
More than 100 golfers from both government and the private sector met on the fairways of Skukuza's picturesque golf course on Thursday October 25, 2007 as competitors in the third annual Kruger National Park (KNP)/Old Mutual Corporate Golf Day.
'Business and government more often face each other in meetings and at business lunches and hardly ever in a relaxed recreational environment, therefore with this event, we wanted to create a climate where these two parties could be a little more relaxed when they meet each other,' said the Kruger's chief executive Dr Bandile Mkhize.
Representatives from blue chip companies like Old Mutual, Coca Cola, Nedbank and others relished the opportunity of playing against each other and representatives from government, which this year included a high powered delegation from the Mpumalanga provincial government.
"With this event, we have created opportunities for local businesses to become involved in this event, either with direct sponsorships or by sponsoring an individual hole where they can erect their corporate banners and promotion gear," added Dr Mkhize.
Direct sponsors included Old Mutual, main sponsor, Coca Cola, the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA), Nestle, Bavaria, Siyabona Africa, Vuswa/Avis Fleet Services, My Acre of Africa, Tiger's Eye and Aqua D'or.
The best four ball of the day, Victor Nkuna, Bukeka Gcanga, Seven Maseko and Louis Mndawe took top honours with their 55 points in the American scramble competition. On their heels were Bryn Pyne James, Andre Bothma, Musa Magongo and Kgumotso Rakele with 52 points followed by B Nkosi, R Matelangisa, Teddy Mathebula and Martin Rodriques in the third place with 51 points.
Skukuza Golf Club was originally built in 1972 as a staff recreational facility and was opened to the public in 1999."Golfers from all over South Africa are encouraged to make use of this facility which is open to members of the public.
We believe it is one of the more unique golf courses around as it is situated within the boundaries of a national park. Golfers can experience that back to nature feeling as they tackle the various holes," concluded Dr Mkhize.
The course is a nine-hole, 18 tee par 72. The clubhouse includes a pro-shop, cash bar, and catering. It serves light lunches and has big screen television for major sporting events.
The facility can also be used for events and functions. The club is situated just to the west of Skukuza Rest Camp and is relatively close to Kruger entrance gate in the southern region of the KNP.
Skukuza golf course is the only Kruger Park golf course located in the park itself. It is a 72par, nine-hole, 18-tee course a few kilometres...