GOLF – South Africa’s professional golfer Hayden Griffiths narrowly edged his compatriot to be crowned champion of this year’s prestigious King’s Cup Golf Tournament, walking away with the coveted E240 000 prize money.
The highly-celebrated tournament, regarded as one of the biggest on local soil, was staged at Ezulwini Golf and Country Club from last Monday and concluded yesterday with thrilling action on the lush greens that gave golfers a memorable experience.
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Professional golfer James Pennington settled for 9th place and walked away with a consolation prize of E27 000 as he was the first Liswati winner. He described the final day as a frustrating experience after struggling on the back nine.
In a tightly contested battle, Griffiths finished 12-under-par, topping the leaderboard by a single stroke ahead of defending champion and fellow countryman Keenan Davidse, who carded 11-under.
Davidse, who had kept Griffiths under pressure for much of the three-day event, settled for second place and pocketed E164 350. Justice Mashego finished third, earning E117 000.
This marked Griffiths’ second King’s Cup triumph, having first won it in 2023. Remarkably, he was once again partnered by his trusted caddie Sonnboy Sithole, who will get E15 000 from the winner’s purse.
Speaking after his victory, the soft-spoken Griffiths expressed his joy, acknowledging the tough challenge he faced. He said his competitors gave him a good run for his money.
“Firstly, I would like to appreciate the blessings from the Almighty God because without Him I would not have achieved this milestone. I also extend my gratitude to the organisers, sponsors and fellow golfers for making this year’s tournament such a huge success. It keeps getting better every year,” said the Durban-based golfer.
Griffiths further praised the tournament’s organisation and the warm hospitality extended to visiting players.
“I always look forward to the King’s Cup Golf tournament. The course is perfect, the treatment we receive in the country is top notch and I will always carry wonderful memories of this tournament. It is always a pleasure taking part in this wonderful tournament,” he said.
Tournament Director Vusi Dlamini also hailed the event’s success, noting the support from long-time partners as well as two new sponsors, including a generous E100 000 contribution from a South African businessman.
“It is proper to commend all the golfers who competed because without them this tournament would not be possible. We are grateful to our sponsors and are already looking forward to an even bigger and better edition next year,” Dlamini said.
In the amateurs’ section, Dlamini emerged the winner, claiming a E15 000 shopping voucher. Vusi Gama finished second with a E12 000 voucher while third place went to Melvin Dave, who received a E9 000 voucher.
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