The nationwide amateur tournament, which last year drew 37 000 golfers from 800 club qualifying competitions, annually raises millions of rands for the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). Since its inception in 1993 it has raised over R28-million for CANSA to assist with research into the disease and the treatment thereof.

“For the past 20 years we’ve been proud to support CANSA with the help of thousands of golfers around South Africa. With this being such a significant year for the Sanlam Cancer Challenge and for CANSA as an organisation, we’re hoping we can raise a record amount in 2012,” said Gary van Loggerenberg, Sanlam sponsorship manager.

“This is a tournament that enables club golfers anywhere in the country to do something positive and make a real impact through the game they love. And from a golfing perspective, it’s every amateur’s dream to play two of the country’s top courses at Sun City.”

The Sanlam Cancer Challenge’s significant status in South African golf will be recognised in the South African Golf Hall of Fame at the Oubaai Golf Estate near George, where the tournament will be permanently showcased.

“Sanlam must be commended for their continued support and contribution to cancer in a time when it is difficult for NGOs to fund themselves. Through golf, the Sanlam Cancer Challenge has helped to raise the awareness of cancer, and of golf’s impact on social responsibility,” said Barry Cohen, the CEO of the SA Golf Hall of Fame.

With 2012 also marking the 80th anniversary of CANSA, this year’s Sanlam Cancer Challenge is expected to be one of the most memorable in its history.

Sue Janse van Rensburg, CEO of CANSA, paid tribute to the golf community for its support of this longstanding tournament.

“South Africa’s golfers are some of our strongest allies and supporters in the fight against cancer. It takes so much work to arrange the hundreds of club competitions around the country, and we are honoured to have Sanlam and the golfers support us in such a committed fashion.”

Golfers will register for the Sanlam Cancer Challenge in February, followed by the nationwide club competitions from March to July, the Regional Finals from August to September, and culminating in the Finals at Sun City on both the Gary Player Country Club and Lost City Golf Club courses in October.

For more information go to www.sanlamcancerchallenge.co.za.