Standard Bank takes women’s golf to new heights with a bigger prize purse
Standard Bank is raising the bar for women’s golf, sponsoring two premier tournaments back-to-back this February. First up is the NTT DATA Ladies Pro-Am Tournament, taking place from 13 to 16 February in Knysna, followed by the Standard Bank Ladies Open hosted by the City of Cape Town from 20 to 22 February at the Durbanville Golf Club in Cape Town.
“These tournaments are more than just competitions; they celebrate excellence and provide a vital platform for women golfers,” says Jacques Els, Head of Wealth and Investment at Standard Bank South Africa. “They are also a celebration of our passion for people, sport, growth, sustainability, and progress throughout the continent.”
The NTT DATA Ladies Pro-Am is one of the region’s most prestigious tournaments, drawing 44 amateur women golfers from around the globe. The tournament has become a dynamic platform where key decision-makers converge to drive impactful initiatives, fostering a future of innovation and positive change.
The Standard Bank Ladies Open has a proud tradition of nurturing exceptional talent, exemplified by recent champions Gabrielle Venter (2024) and Stacy Bergman (2023). This year’s event will host over 120 golfers, promising three days of world-class competition on the greens.
Levelling the Playing Field for Women in Golf
Through its partnership with the Sunshine Ladies Tour, Standard Bank has significantly increased the prize purse for the Ladies Open to R1 million, up from R600,000 last year. This bold step demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to providing women golfers with more opportunities to qualify for European tours and build sustainable careers as professionals.
“By supporting tournaments that level the playing field for women golfers, we are contributing to equal pay for female athletes,” adds Jacques Els. “Talent deserves recognition, regardless of gender, and supporting women in sports helps break barriers and inspire future generations.”
A Rich History of Supporting Women’s Golf
Standard Bank’s support for golf extends beyond these tournaments. From amateur competitions to marquee events, the bank is committed to fostering a thriving ecosystem for golfers at all levels. “We don’t just provide sponsorship; we provide more playing opportunities and resources for women golfers to shine,” says Els.
Standard Bank has played a pivotal role in the Pro-Am Series, which fosters the growth of female golfers at a grassroots level while providing a platform for talented professional players to engage with global decision-makers.
Meanwhile, the Standard Bank Ladies Open is entering its third year as part of the bank’s broader involvement in the Sunshine Ladies Tour. After its debut in Johannesburg at the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club, the tournament relocated to Cape Town in 2024. This year marks its second event in the Western Cape, with the Durbanville Golf Club hosting the competition for the first time, in partnership with the City of Cape Town.
“This event is a beacon of opportunity for women golfers,” says Els. “It’s not just about the competition; it’s about the connections and experiences that help propel their careers forward.” The 2025 Standard Bank Ladies Open promise to be a showcase of skill, perseverance, and passion. With the best talent from South Africa and beyond taking to the greens, the event will set to inspire and elevate women’s golf to new heights.