The Sunshine Tour has added to its already robust schedule for 2022 with a new tournament, the R1.5 million Fortress Invitational, to be played at the Ebotse Links from 7-9 October.
Fortress Real Estate are specialists in the logistics and retail property sectors with an established in-house development track record. Fortress focuses on developing and letting premium-grade logistics real estate in South Africa and Central and Eastern Europe, and also has a convenience and commuter-oriented retail portfolio which currently comprises 52 shopping centres.
The 54-hole televised tournament is expected to draw a quality field of youth and experience including Albert Venter, the current Luno Order of Merit leader and two-time winner this season already, first-time winners Herman Loubser, Dylan Mostert and Anthony Michael, and rising star Jayden Schaper who will be playing his home course.
They will join established Sunshine Tour stars such as Jaco van Zyl, Neil Schietekat, Jean Hugo, Jaco Ahlers and Hennie Otto, while Jbé Kruger – a Sunshine Tour winner at Ebotse last season – is also expected to return for this event.
Steven Brown, CEO of Fortress Real Estate, said: “As South Africa’s leading logistics developer we pride ourselves on partnering with clients to power their growth through providing innovative real estate solutions. Now we get to power growth in South African golf. Our belief is that The Fortress Invitational offers local players the opportunity to grow and succeed in their careers, with the possibility of representing South Africa internationally through the addition of this tournament to their schedule. As a brand, we look forward to hosting our clients and tenants, celebrating a truly superb and challenging course.”
“Ebotse is situated close to our biggest logistics development to date: our flagship premium-grade Eastport Logistics Park. Once complete, the co-investment with Pick ‘n Pay will produce one of the largest distribution centres in Africa.”
The addition of The Fortress Invitational adds to the quality of high-level brands associated with the Sunshine Tour and Southern African professional golf.
“We’re very excited to announce the new Fortress Invitational as we keep growing our schedule and providing quality playing opportunities for our member professionals,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.
“With the addition of the Fortress Invitational we have now built up a very strong schedule that allows Sunshine Tour professionals to remain competitive throughout the year as they prepare for our co-sanctioned tournaments with the DP World Tour, and which in turn gives them that opportunity to take their careers to the next level.”