The Pro Shop and Trade plus Aid lend support to SAGDB

Trade plus Aid, an international social development agency, in partnership with The Pro Shop, hosted its inaugural charity golf day on 7th November at the Glendowner Golf Club in Johannesburg. The aim of the golf day was to raise funds for the ongoing development of emerging players from the South African Golf Development Board. A floating trophy for the day was donated by Gary Player.

The event provided an opportunity for local golfers to experience development first hand, as each four ball included one player from the SAGDB’s Gauteng region. This format encouraged a better understanding of the aims of the developing programme and an insight into the progress being made.

Martin Pinto, the SAGDB’s director for special projects, said that the day was also a chance for the development board’s players to experience how golf provides an opportunity to interact with individuals from many different walks of life.

"This was a great occasion to expose our young aspirant players to the multifaceted environment of golf,” Pinto said. “They may learn important skills and values needed in life and business".

The collaboration with the Pro Shop also provided an opportunity to encourage South Africa's golf playing community to support development. The Pro Shop has already donated R120 000 to the SAGDB this year through the Moregolf Foundation, and more money was raised on the day through an auction of exclusive sports memorabilia.

"We are proud to be making a valuable contribution to social development through the sport of golf,” said Sven Pedersen, sponsorship co-ordinator at The Pro Shop.

Trade plus Aid also benefited from the funds raised and will be able to expand its rural development projects in South Africa. The organisation is actively involved in projects around the world to alleviate poverty and uplift communities. Trade plus Aid is particularly committed to providing opportunities for disadvantaged children to learn and gain skills that will give them greater exposure to possibilities in the future.

"Our partnership with The Pro Shop and the SAGDB is helping us to further fulfil our aim of supporting disadvantaged children to see the potential of a different future,” said Matthew Hayden of Trade plus Aid South Africa.