Cape golfers come to the aid of struggling community projects

Cape golfers at one of the world’s top golf estates are set to play in a week-long fund-raising tournament this month to keep a centre which assists disabled children afloat and to help fund several other community organisations.

The Cadiz Steenberg Classic, from October 27 to November 2, draws around 1000 golfers annually to the unique, week-long tournament at the premier Steenberg Golf Estate in Cape Town — voted by Condé Nast as the number one golf resort in SA and number two in the world.

The event has raised over R3.2million through auctions and donations over the past 12 years and aims to raise another R600 000 this year to help six beneficiaries.

The SA Riding for the Disabled Association (SARDA), which supports disabled children through therapeutic and recreational horse riding, said that without the golfers’ support they would probably shut down.

“The funds from the Cadiz Steenberg Classic keep us going. Every cent we get is ploughed into the upkeep of our horses,” said SARDA’s Andrea Boettger.

Another cash-strapped beneficiary, The Emma Animal Rescue Society (TEARS), described the impending donation as a “life saver”.

Dave Barnes, General Manager of the Westlake United Church Trust, which owns and runs the Westlake Community Centre for local residents, said the funds were a “Godsend” which had “transformed” the centre over the last three years.

Another beneficiary, the Haemophilia Foundation, said this year’s donation would go toward educating the public on the hereditary disorder.

The remaining beneficiaries are the Steenberg Caddy Programme and the Steenberg Clinic.

The tournament is sponsored by Cadiz Asset Management, an independent, award-winning asset management company, focused on enriching lives through sustainable investment excellence.

CEO, Frank Cadiz, said the event was aimed at giving back to local communities: “These beneficiaries play a critical role in supporting disadvantaged communities. We pay tribute to them for the work they do and to the golfers for their efforts in helping keep these community organisations going.”

The Steenberg Golf Course boasts a host of illustrious members, including rugby heroes Francois Pienaar, Morné du Plessis, Lance Sherrell, Robert Brink, Christian Stewart, Dave Stewart and HO de Villiers. They are due to play during the week-long tournament.

Steenberg’s Director of Golf, Ian Kennedy, said the event was one of the biggest fund-raising tournaments of its kind in SA and offered participants one of the best golfing experiences in the world.

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