Investec signs professional golfer Ivanna Samu

Investec, the leading international bank and wealth manager and long-time supporter of women’s and men’s golf, has announced its sponsorship of professional golfer, Ivanna Samu. Samu joins the ranks of Investec-sponsored professional players Nicole Garcia, Danielle Du Toit and Zethu Myeki in South Africa, as well as Irish player Stephanie Meadow.

Samu, a top-ranked junior and former number-one senior amateur in South Africa, turned pro in 2016. She started playing golf at 10, showing a passion for the game from a young age. Despite facing thyroid cancer and a serious back injury, she has emerged stronger, exemplifying the endurance of the human spirit.

"This is a life-changing opportunity,” says Samu. “When the Investec team asked me to join them, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Now, I can focus on the challenges of the game, without the added financial burden."

This announcement is testament to the strides being made in women’s sports and specifically women’s golf. Research predicts that women’s elite sport will generate global revenues of $1.28bn in 2024, the first time the figure has surpassed the $1bn mark - speaking to the growth in recognising females in the sport and acknowledging the talent they possess.

Investec plays a pivotal role in supporting golf – and specifically women’s golf - in South Africa, through partnerships with the Sunshine Ladies Tour, Ladies European Tour and the Investec South African Women’s Open, the Investec Order of Merit, and the Investec Homegrown Award. These initiatives elevate local talent globally, leveraging Investec’s international heritage and network.

“Our sponsorship approach is to identify Out of the Ordinary talent and form world-class partnerships that not only raise the game and position players for success, but impact society,” says Peta Dixon, head of sponsorships at Investec. “We recognise the value of supporting women in sport beyond the sponsorship and aim to provide our players with so much more than a financial contribution – we provide resources, global exposure and experience that pave the way for our sponsored athletes’ futures in the sporting world – truly driving homegrown talent.

“The decision to sign Ivanna was an organic one, her dedication and commitment to the sport is written throughout her career, and she is a perfect fit to join our team of remarkable women, creating a legacy for the next generation,” Dixon adds.

And Samu is all for encouraging the next generation of golfers, having also found a love for coaching which she does part time. This has also deepened her appreciation for life and for the sport. “Golf is a game that you will never perfect; you will go through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in your journey, but the most important part is never to forget the joy or why you started playing golf in the first place. If you love what you do, you will never feel like it cannot be achieved,” concludes Samu.