For the first time in 11 years, since the inception of the Duke of Edinburgh Golf Tournament in South Africa, a women walked away with this coveted title. An ecstatic Sanet Geere from Nelspruit did just that when she won the final Powerplay Shoot Out at the Pecanwood Golf and Country Club on Tuesday, 7 June 2011.
The Duke of Edinburgh Tournament was established under the patronage of His Royal Highness, Prince Phillip and with over 10 countries participating annually millions of dollars have been raised for various beneficiaries around the world.

Secured and hosted by Tsogo Sun Gaming in South Africa annually, qualifying golf days are  held at seven of the groups’ properties around the country including Emnotweni Casino, The Ridge Casino, Hemingways Casino, Suncoast Casino, Blackrock Casino, Caledon Casino and Montecasino. The winner from each region then has the opportunity to compete for the ultimate prize - the opportunity to play in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Individual World Final on two of the finest golf courses in the United Kingdom in September this year.

“Everyone at Emnotweni was rooting for Sanet and without hesitation she made the national title her own. All of us in Nelspruit are extremely proud of her and can’t wait to see what she manages to achieve at the Duke of Edinburgh Cup World Finals,” comments Ig Olivier, General Manager at Emnotweni Casino.
The prize includes a return air ticket to the United Kingdom, all land transfers, hotel accommodation for five nights, entry to the Duke of Edinburgh World Finals, three rounds of golf at the Royal Household Golf Club at Windsor Great Park as well as attendance at the Royal Prize Giving dinner at Windsor Castle attended by a member of the Royal Family.

According to Sanet Geere, it never occurred to her that she might win. Not even once leading up to the finals did she even remotely consider it. “I was astounded and had to pinch myself to make sure I was not dreaming. I was quite nervous and must say my faith and all the support I received from family, friends and loved ones helped me win this wonderful honor to represent South Africa at the Finals. I will do my utmost best to make everyone back home proud when I take on the other participants in the UK,” she says.

In South Africa alone the tournament has raised over R4m for various charitable causes across the country.
“The Duke of Edinburgh Tournament has become one of the most sought-after golfing events in our country and the growing number of entries each year is evident of this. It is a great honor for any golfer to win this title and being the first women to do so in 11 years, is an even bigger accomplishment,” concludes Olivier.