Meshack Motloung

Meshack Motloung

For the past 22 years West Orlando Golf Club have raised more than half a million rand for charitable organisations when they have hosted the Memorial golf day and dinner.

This year they are again staging the yearly event at the Killarney Golf Course on Friday, November 9.

The event normally attracts high-profile people from the corporate world who have been supportive since the competition was launched. This event is not only for the needy, but also in memory of former members of the club who have died.

The club itself has a track record that speaks volumes since it was launched in 1977 after the upheavals in Soweto and other townships on June 16, 1976.

By then Crown Mines and Fourways Golf Clubs were the only courses that allowed blacks to use them.

Because of interest stimulated by the game and the commitment shown by the players, this prompted members to purchase a clubhouse in Soweto from the funds they raised and it was called West Orlando Golf Club in 1993.

Club chairman Reggie Hlongwane said they have 65 members.

"We have recently started a youth recruitment programme, in terms of our constitution, and we also want to see more women taking part in the game," he said.

The club's secretary Tshombe Meletse said: "The Club has contributed to more than 20 charity organisations without fail and we hope to continue donating to these organisations to help improve people's lives out there."

The entry fee is R300 a person and the format is four-ball better ball. Tee-off time is at 11am. The tournament will be followed by a gala dinner at Golf Reef City on Saturday (November 10).