The Sunshine Tour has decided to postpone the start of the 2021 schedule in light of the ongoing impact of Covid-19 in South Africa.
Thomas Abt, commissioner of the Sunshine Tour, on Wednesday confirmed that February’s start has been put on hold. The Tour will now aim to get the ball rolling in March if all goes according to plan.
The original schedule will still be continued only with alternative dates now in place for each event.
‘In light of the current increase in Covid-19 cases and after consultation with our own health experts and in partnership with GolfRSA and its Risk Mitigation Strategy team, we believe it is the most responsible course of action to postpone the start of our schedule,’ said Abt.
READ: Sunshine Tour announces 2021 schedule
‘From the start of this virus, South African golf has worked very closely with government to ensure compliance of all health protocols, and most importantly to be seen as a sport that is acting in a safe and responsible manner. The safety of our members as well as our staff is our primary concern.
‘The new Kit Kat Group Pro-Am will still kickstart the year but now from 5-7 March, while the three co-sanctioned events with the Challenge Tour will commence on 22 April.
‘This will be followed by the Cape Town Open at Royal Cape Golf Club from 29 April-2 May, and then the Dimension Data Pro-Am at Fancourt Golf Estate from 6-9 May.
‘I’d like to thank our Chairman, Johann Rupert, our Executive Director, Selwyn Nathan, our Board of Directors as well as our members and sponsors for their continued guidance, patience and understanding amidst what remains a very fluid situation for our game. I would also like to thank our partners at the Challenge Tour for their understanding.
‘We are in constant communication with all of our stakeholders and will be ready to resume playing as soon as we believe it is safe to do so.’
The Sunshine Ladies Tour has also been postponed. A full schedule will be made available soon.
