EZULWINI – His Majesty King Mswati III challenged the King’s Cup Golf committee to raise E10 million in sponsorship, targeting an ambitious E5 million winner’s purse.
The King issued the challenge during the King’s Cup Golf gala dinner at the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre (ICC) on Friday, where he praised sponsors for increasing their financial backing for this year’s tournament.
The 2026 edition has attracted E3.24 million in overall sponsorship, representing an increase of E150 000 from last year’s E3.09 million.
King Mswati III said this growth demonstrated the confidence stakeholders had in the tournament but called for even greater ambition in future editions.
He said the organising committee should continue working towards raising E10 million, which would enable the tournament to significantly boost its prize money and enhance its international standing.
The King stated that he wanted the top prize to eventually reach E5 million, signalling his desire for the event to become one of the most prestigious tournaments of its kind.
The current main prize stands at E700 000, which the King noted was already the most lucrative reward on the Big Easy Tour.
He also highlighted the introduction of a new category for the top three emaSwati golfers, with the leading local player receiving E100 000, second place E75 000 and third place E50 000.
The King said this initiative would reward local players on merit while encouraging them to raise their game and compete successfully on the global stage.
He further commended the E185 000 sponsorship secured for the pre-qualifying tournament, saying such support had contributed immensely to the overall success of the event.
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, said the tournament had demonstrated what could be achieved when stakeholders worked together.
Dladla said the funding invested by sponsors over the years showed that partnerships could build opportunities for young people and contribute to national development. She added that the tournament also provided a prime opportunity to showcase Eswatini to visiting guests from across the region and beyond.
Representing the sponsors, Nedbank Eswatini Managing Director Fikile Nkosi said the private sector regarded its involvement as both a privilege and a responsibility.
Nkosi said the King’s Cup Golf had evolved since 2004 into an institution associated with excellence, unity, friendship and national pride. She noted that nation-building was a collective responsibility and that the private sector was proud to support platforms that strengthened communities, created opportunities and advanced Eswatini.
The 2026 King’s Golf Cup attracted 120 professional and elite golfers, with the field completing the tournament at the Ezulwini Golf and Country Club yesterday.
The King concluded by stating that the tournament had the potential to grow even further and encouraged both sponsors and the organising committee to maintain the momentum.
Meanwhile, Leon Visser won the King’s Cup Golf after finishing 11-under-par in a strong international field at Ezulwini.
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