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Media release

Media release

Sunshine Ladies Tour Invitational expands cause for equity on and off the course

13 March 2026

Bank pledges to donate R1,000 for every birdie during the Pro-Am and tournament rounds

The Absa Ladies Invitational returns for its third edition in partnership with the Sunshine Ladies Tour, reinforcing a bold commitment to reshape the structure, visibility and commercial standing of women’s golf in South Africa. More than a fixture on the sporting calendar, the Invitational has become a strategic platform to advance equity in professional golf while expanding access and opportunity across the broader ecosystem of the game.

For decades, golf has been associated with tradition and exclusivity. Today, that narrative is shifting. Across South Africa, more women are stepping onto the fairways not as guests in a male-dominated space, but as competitors, business leaders and decision-makers shaping the sport’s future. Now in its third year, the Absa Ladies Invitational signals a deliberate move from symbolic support to structural change.

Through its partnership with the Sunshine Ladies Tour, Absa continues to address historic disparities between men’s and women’s golf. In 2026, the tournament will once again match the prize purse of comparable men’s events on the local circuit, reinforcing the principle that elite performance deserves equitable reward.

Sanah Gumede, Managing Executive of Strategy and Client Value Management at Absa Relationship Banking, says women’s golf in South Africa is entering a defining period. “Our approach has been to move beyond visibility and focus on meaningful structural change, from how tournaments are experienced to how opportunities are created for women and young players within the broader golf ecosystem,” she says. The bank’s long-term strategy aligns commercial sponsorship with measurable developmental impact, positioning women’s golf as both a high-performance sport and a growth market within South Africa’s sports economy.

The 2026 edition will introduce a reimagined hospitality and networking platform through the House of Absa concept, designed to centre women’s experiences and integrate sport, business engagement and community in a way that reflects how modern professionals connect and collaborate. Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships at Absa Group, notes that golf remains a powerful corporate engagement platform, but its relevance depends on adaptation. “Corporate South Africa continues to invest in golf because it delivers brand visibility and relationship-building at scale. However, sponsorship must evolve alongside society. Creating inclusive environments in women’s sport is not only commercially sound, but also essential for sustainable growth,” Nsibanyoni adds.

Beyond the fairways, the 2026 tournament introduces a measurable social impact dimension. Through Absa’s Force for Good initiative, the bank will donate R1,000 for every birdie made during the Pro-Am and tournament rounds, with funds supporting the development of sustainable vegetable gardens in underserved communities to strengthen food security and local economic participation. This model connects elite sport with tangible community outcomes, extending the tournament’s legacy beyond the leaderboard.

“Women’s golf in South Africa is building real and sustained momentum, from the professional circuit to grassroots development. Public facilities, youth academies and structured development programmes are expanding access and nurturing the next generation of talent. With the ongoing work of organisations such as the South African Golf Development Board and the Sunshine Tour to diversify and strengthen the sport, we are seeing meaningful progress. The Absa Ladies Invitational is part of this broader shift, positioning women’s golf not as a niche, but as an integral, investable and fast-growing force within South Africa’s sporting and commercial landscape.” Gumede concludes.

13 March 2026

Bank pledges to donate R1,000 for every birdie during the Pro-Am and tournament rounds

The Absa Ladies Invitational returns for its third edition in partnership with the Sunshine Ladies Tour, reinforcing a bold commitment to reshape the structure, visibility and commercial standing of women’s golf in South Africa. More than a fixture on the sporting calendar, the Invitational has become a strategic platform to advance equity in professional golf while expanding access and opportunity across the broader ecosystem of the game.

For decades, golf has been associated with tradition and exclusivity. Today, that narrative is shifting. Across South Africa, more women are stepping onto the fairways not as guests in a male-dominated space, but as competitors, business leaders and decision-makers shaping the sport’s future. Now in its third year, the Absa Ladies Invitational signals a deliberate move from symbolic support to structural change.

Through its partnership with the Sunshine Ladies Tour, Absa continues to address historic disparities between men’s and women’s golf. In 2026, the tournament will once again match the prize purse of comparable men’s events on the local circuit, reinforcing the principle that elite performance deserves equitable reward.

Sanah Gumede, Managing Executive of Strategy and Client Value Management at Absa Relationship Banking, says women’s golf in South Africa is entering a defining period. “Our approach has been to move beyond visibility and focus on meaningful structural change, from how tournaments are experienced to how opportunities are created for women and young players within the broader golf ecosystem,” she says. The bank’s long-term strategy aligns commercial sponsorship with measurable developmental impact, positioning women’s golf as both a high-performance sport and a growth market within South Africa’s sports economy.

The 2026 edition will introduce a reimagined hospitality and networking platform through the House of Absa concept, designed to centre women’s experiences and integrate sport, business engagement and community in a way that reflects how modern professionals connect and collaborate. Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorships at Absa Group, notes that golf remains a powerful corporate engagement platform, but its relevance depends on adaptation. “Corporate South Africa continues to invest in golf because it delivers brand visibility and relationship-building at scale. However, sponsorship must evolve alongside society. Creating inclusive environments in women’s sport is not only commercially sound, but also essential for sustainable growth,” Nsibanyoni adds.

Beyond the fairways, the 2026 tournament introduces a measurable social impact dimension. Through Absa’s Force for Good initiative, the bank will donate R1,000 for every birdie made during the Pro-Am and tournament rounds, with funds supporting the development of sustainable vegetable gardens in underserved communities to strengthen food security and local economic participation. This model connects elite sport with tangible community outcomes, extending the tournament’s legacy beyond the leaderboard.

“Women’s golf in South Africa is building real and sustained momentum, from the professional circuit to grassroots development. Public facilities, youth academies and structured development programmes are expanding access and nurturing the next generation of talent. With the ongoing work of organisations such as the South African Golf Development Board and the Sunshine Tour to diversify and strengthen the sport, we are seeing meaningful progress. The Absa Ladies Invitational is part of this broader shift, positioning women’s golf not as a niche, but as an integral, investable and fast-growing force within South Africa’s sporting and commercial landscape.” Gumede concludes.