South Africa to host 2002 Presidents Cup

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem announced Sunday that the 2002 Presidents Cup will be contested Nov. 7-10, 2002, at The Links Golf Course at Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate in George, South Africa.

"We are pleased to take The Presidents Cup to South Africa in 2002," said Finchem. "One of our goals with The Presidents Cup is to make it truly an international competition. By taking it around the world we are accomplishing that goal and introducing the sport to new generations of fans."

Ngconde Balfour, South Africa's Minister of Sports and Recreation, was to accept The Presidents Cup Charter at the closing ceremonies of this week's Presidents Cup competition on behalf of South African President Thabo Mbeki.

"We humbly accept the challenge and, on behalf of all South Africans, I pledge that we will host an event that will make the global golfing fraternity proud," said Balfour. "An event of such magnitude deserves only the best and we, as South Africans, will rise to the challenge.

"We are conscious of the impact that the staging of The Presidents Cup will have on factors such as viewership, corporate sponsorship and international relations. We, therefore, feel honored that 24 of the world's best golfers will grace us with their presence at the beautiful and challenging Links Golf Course at Fancourt."
The Links Course is a par-72 that will play to 7,234 yards. It is the third Gary Player-designed course at Fancourt Estates. A fourth course, The Academy, will be completed next year.

"The hosting of The Presidents Cup in South Africa will not only be a huge boost for golf in the region, but for the region's tourism industry overall," said Louis Martin, Chief Executive of the Southern Africa Tour. "The magnificent Links course will be a true test for the world's best golfers, as well as offering supreme spectator viewing.

"Fancourt is an ideal venue for the large global corporate presence expected and truly captures the beauty of the Garden Route in the Southern Cape."

The fifth Presidents Cup in 2002 will be contested outside of the United States for the second time. The 1998 Presidents Cup was held at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia. The event will feature many of the world's best golfers with 12 representing the United States and 12 making up the International Team of players from around the world, excluding Europe, in team match-play competition.