Playing the long game: Golf’s continued contribution to socio-economic growth

A stable and growing participation base

At the centre of this ecosystem is a large base of recreational players. South Africa’s 437 golf courses are supported by steady local participation, despite the relatively high cost of the game.

4.2 million rounds of golf were played during 2024, according to Handicaps Network Africa (HNA).  That’s over 11,500 rounds played every day across the country. And since 2023, the number of registered golfers has grown by 6.4%, to just over 17200, says GolfRSA. 

Interestingly, female players are increasing slightly faster than men, but the sport still remains heavily male-dominated with roughly 88% registered golfers being male and only 12% female.

Each round played extends beyond the course itself. It supports a network of greenkeepers, PGA professionals, hospitality staff, administrators and caddies, as well as suppliers responsible for maintaining facilities and infrastructure.

This steady, repeat participation provides the foundation for golf’s economic resilience.

Golf tourism: A high-value growth engine

Golf tourism remains one of the most valuable contributors to the sector’s growth.

The country’s combination of favourable climate, competitive pricing and world-class courses continues to attract international visitors.

South Africa was named Africa’s Best Golf Destination worldwide by Swiss golfers, and Africa’s Best Golf Destination in Africa in the 2025 World Golf Awards.

Golf tourists are typically high spenders. On average, they spend two to three times more per day than leisure tourists, with expenditure spread across accommodation, dining, transport and premium experiences.

Employment across the value chain

While tournaments create periodic spikes in activity, the broader golf economy sustains ongoing employment.

Course maintenance, hospitality operations, coaching and administration form the backbone of the industry. In addition, professional golf supports a wider ecosystem of specialists, including coaches, fitness trainers, medical professionals and logistics providers.

Media and broadcasting roles are another important component. Coverage of tournaments supports careers for journalists, photographers and production teams, contributing to the professionalisation of the sport.

Ladies Sunshine Tour pro Kai Moodley, one of five female professional golfers currently sponsored by Investec, explains that these media roles are vital to growing the game.

A pathway for professional talent

Major tournaments also provide a platform for local players to compete at an international level.

Events such as the Investec South African Open form part of global qualification pathways, offering opportunities to progress to major championships.

For the first time in Sunshine Tour history, the winner of the Investec South African Open received an invitation to the 2026 Masters, and the tournament again formed part of The Open Qualifying Series (OQS) for the 154^th Open at Royal Birkdale.

This pathway is particularly important for developing local talent and ensuring that South African players remain competitive on the global stage.

Corporate investment and long-term growth

Corporate sponsorship underpins much of the sport’s structure, particularly at the professional level.

Investment in flagship tournaments enables events to be staged at scale, while also supporting broader initiatives aimed at growing the game.

As Peta Dixon, Investec Head of Sponsorships, explains, the approach has been deliberately long-term, “Investec’s investment in golf is grounded in long-term alignment with the values of the game- precision, discipline, performance and integrity.”

This sustained commitment has extended beyond tournament sponsorship into a broader ecosystem, from elite competitions to development and transformation initiatives.

“It’s been a deliberate strategy to build, not just sponsor events,” Dixon adds. “Our focus is on ensuring that our investment delivers both commercial impact and a lasting contribution to the game.”

Long-term sponsorship provides stability in an environment where funding can often be cyclical, while also supporting pathways for players and increasing the visibility of South African golf globally.

As Investec-sponsored golfer Ivana Samu explains:

“Sponsors like Investec are the backbone of professional golf. Their backing allows me to get the support I need from my caddie, coaches, and fitness and medical professionals to perform at my best, and cover essential costs, like travel, so I can compete both locally and internationally.”

This long-term approach is reflected in Investec’s continued commitment to the game. The bank recently announced a five-year extension of its headline sponsorship of the Investec South African Open, Investec South African Women’s Open and the continued patronage of the Papwa Sewgolum Class, reinforcing its role in supporting the growth and sustainability of golf in South Africa.