German automotive manufacturer BMW has added to its golf portfolio by becoming title sponsor of the South African Open.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but next year’s edition of the tournament, which takes place at the Glendower Golf Club in Johannesburg from January 7-10, will officially be named the BMW South African Open.
“Sports such as motorsport, sailing and golf are key global sponsorship pillars for the BMW brand, “ Tim Abbott, managing director at BMW Group South Africa, said. “(This deal) gives the brand the opportunity to consolidate its position in golf with a signature event that we hope will grow over time to become the biggest professional event in South African golf.”
The South African Open is said to be the second oldest national championship in world golf, with 2016 marking the event’s 105th edition. Englishman Andy Sullivan (pictured) is the current champion of the event, which is co-sanctioned by the European Tour and Sunshine Tour.