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Address by President Thabo
Mbeki at the Opening Ceremony of the President’s
Cup 2003 Fancourt 20 November 2003
Honorary Co-Chairman of the President’s Cup,
President George Bush,
President Nelson Mandela,
President FW de Klerk,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished Members of the President’s Cup Committee,
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am truly delighted that the world’s premier
league of the golfing fraternity has joined us today
for this prestigious friendly tournament, the President’s
Cup 2003. On behalf of the government and people of
South Africa, I extend a very warm welcome to all of
you.
Today, 20 November, is the birthday of one of South
Africa’s golfing heroes, Bobby Locke. In 1946,
he invited US hero, Sam Snead, for a friendly competition
in South Africa and stunned Sam with his victory by
12 matches to two. Perhaps this paved the way for our
own new stars to emerge, including our current international
team players, Gary Player, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen,
Tim Clark and so many others.
It is indeed an immense privilege and honour to welcome
as Captain of the US team, a living legend among his
peers, among amateur golfers and to millions of golfing
fans around the world – the incomparable master,
Jack Nicklaus.
The magnificent Links Course at Fancourt is the dream
of its architect, Gary Player, whose vision and love
of the game, brings us all together in celebration of
the sport, which millions around the world enjoy, playing
on over 30,000 golf courses.
Golf has certainly come a long way since the game was
known to have been played in Scotland in the 15th century,
when King James II banned it by decree when he pronounced:
“And that the fute-bal and golfe be utterly cryed
down, and not be used.”
Fortunately for all of us today, the great game of golf
has travelled across the globe, played by royalty, Presidents,
men, women and children from all walks of life.
Since the Royal Cape Club was established in 1885,
many golf courses have been built in South Africa. I
am proud to say that, for over 40 years, and under difficult
circumstances, enthusiastic black golfers have sought
out open fields and kept the game alive even in our
townships, such Tembisa and Daveyton. In KwaZulu Natal,
Papwa Sewgoolam showed courage and outstanding skill
against all odds.
Tiger Woods, who has inspired so many new players to
the game, says that golf is really:
"…you against yourself. It always comes down
to how well you know yourself, your ability, your limitations
and the confidence you have in your ability to execute
under pressure that is mostly self-created. Ultimately,
you must have the heart and head to play a shot and
the courage to accept the consequences. Golf is a great
mirror, often revealing things about you that even you
didn’t know. It cannot be misled. Still we try."
I wish the US team and the international team from Australia,
Canada, Fiji, South Africa, South Korea, and Zimbabwe,
good luck and keen but friendly competition. I am honoured
to declare the President’s Cup 2003 officially
open.
Thank you.
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