GOLF – Eswatini’s top professional golfer, Nobuhle Dlamini, has raised concern over the shortage of women participating in golf in the country, saying deliberate efforts were needed to grow the women’s game.
Dlamini was speaking following the launch of the Institute of People Management Eswatini (IPM) Eswatini Inaugural Golf Fundraiser held yesterday at the IPM offices at Valley View Centre in Ezulwini. The tournament is scheduled for March 19 at the Ezulwini Golf and Country Club.
She said there were very few women actively involved in golf locally and stressed that initiatives such as the IPM tournament were critical in encouraging more women to take up the sport. Dlamini stated that the event would not only raise funds but also create awareness about the need for greater female participation.
“There is a shortage of women participating in golf in the country and initiatives like this are important to encourage more women to join the sport,” she said.
The professional golfer commended IPM for coming up with the initiative and encouraged the organisation to continue pushing for more programmes that empower women through sport.
She noted that it was not often that the country witnessed women-focused golf tournaments, adding that such platforms could inspire young girls to consider golf.
Dlamini further explained that golf was a sport that opened doors beyond competition. She said whether one played professionally or socially, the game created valuable networking and business opportunities. According to her, she had seen individuals form strong business partnerships through golf, demonstrating its wider impact outside the course.
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As the first local female professional golfer to compete on the Ladies European Tour, Dlamini expressed hope that the tournament would help increase the number of women playing golf and gradually strengthen the women’s game in the country.
Meanwhile, IPM Eswatini President Sharon Maziya said they had deliberately chosen to host the event in March because it is Women’s Month and they wanted to do something unique.
She explained that the golf tournament was conceptualised as empowerment for women through sport, with mentoring and coaching forming part of the broader vision.
“We chose to host the tournament in March because it is Women’s Month and we wanted to do something unique that empowers women through sport,” Maziya said.
Maziya said they were excited to host their first-ever golf tournament and revealed that more than 15 organisations were expected to participate.
She explained that each four-ball would comprise participants, creating a competitive yet interactive environment.
However, she declined to disclose details regarding prizes and sponsors, stating that these would be announced at a later stage.
