The South African Airways Open, the second oldest national open championship to the Open Golf Championship and jointly sanctioned between The European Tour and the Sunshine Tour - returns to Erinvale Golf Club, Cape Town, for the second consecutive year from January 15-18, 2004.
Johann Rupert, Chairman of the Sunshine Tour, commented: “What makes this a truly international championship is the constructive relationship, built up over the years, with The European Tour, who sanction the South African Airways Open. They ensure the championship is on their Volvo Order of Merit and that television packages are distributed to the far corners of the globe.
“None of this would be possible without the financial backing of South Africa's Number One airline, South African Airways. Their on-going support for golf makes the South African Airways Open the Sunshine Tour's most prestigious event on its calendar. In Erinvale Golf Club we have one of the most picturesque layouts you will find in this country. We are indeed proud to be associated with a venue of international standing.”
Ken Schofield, Executive Director of The European Tour, said: "The European Tour is delighted that South African Airways will again be the title sponsors of the South African Airways Open at Erinvale Golf Club next January.
“We applauded the decision by the country's National Airline to step in as title sponsors, for the first time, last year and this announcement further cements the relationship between South African Airways, the Sunshine Tour, the South African Golf Association and The European Tour.
"We at The European Tour congratulate South African Airways and the Sunshine Tour and the South African Golf Association and look forward to another exciting edition of the South African Airways Open at Erinvale in January.”
Dr Carel Nieuwoudt, President of the South African Golf Association, said: "We are proud to be part of this celebration and welcome our association with professional golf, both with the Sunshine Tour and The European Tour, and with the championship sponsor, South African Airways.”
Trevor Immelman of South Africa claimed his maiden title on The European Tour International Schedule earlier this year when he defeated compatriot, Tim Clark, at the first hole of a sudden-death play-off at Erinvale.
