First African Golf Safari invitational hosted at Legends

The first African Golf Safari Invitational (AGSI) took place from the 21st to the 26th of February 2015 at The Legends Golf and Safari Resort in Limpopo.
More than 50 international players participated, as the event was open to golfers older than 18 with an official handicap. The field included players from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic, Franc , Northern Ireland, Poland, South Africa and the USA.
The 54 hole, individual stableford competition began with three Northern Irish players being in the top 5 after the first days play. With the temperature at 37°C, scoring became more difficult and Edwardo Juta after day 2, was on top of the leader board. Before the 3rd and final round, all golfers played on the Par 3 Tribute course, which recreates 10 of the world’s most famous par 3’s. Petr Strnad from Czeck Republic won this par 3 men’s competition with 21 points and Marina Juta with 19 points, won the ladies.
Players were then taken by Helicopter up to the Hangklip Mountain T Box for the extreme 19th Challenge. Playing this 430m Par 3, with the green in the shape of the map of Africa, is a unique experience and was one of the highlights of the event.  The 10th hole, which replicates the 17th at TPC Sawgrass, was used for the night golf “Hole in 1” event.
Players enjoyed a truly African sunset at the Extreme 19th sunset deck and enjoyed a variety of South African food. After dinner all countries sang songs in their own language and a fun time was had by all.
Ladislav Bein, one of 9 golfers from the Czech Republic and Elizabeth Murray from Australia, won the chipping and putting competition and both won free entry into the 2016 AGSI event.  The putting competition raised just under ZAR 2500-00 which was donated to a local Rhino orphanage.
The Non-Golfer partners were kept busy with Big 5 game drives, a scenic helicopter flight over the Waterberg Mountains, spa treatments and trips to the wild life center for endangered species. Lunch was served on the lake side deck and rounded off with a boat cruise on the dam.
The final day had six players still in the running to win. Crowds gathered around the  AGSI branded 18th green to welcome and applaud the winner . The champion was Edwardo Juta with a total of 114 points and he made a birdie on the 18th to secure his victory. Lucie Kopecka from the Czech Republic won the ladies event with a well played 97 points. - Adele Essakow