The winners of the BMW-sponsored national qualifier tournament being held between 21 and 24 September at the Marsa course will be taking part in the World Final in South Africa in December.

This was announced by Lennard Pal, Managing Director of BMW in Malta and Kenneth Mizzi, of Muscat’s Motors of Gzira, representatives of BMW in Malta, during a news conference at Marsa Golf Course.

Pal said BMW was happy to be sponsoring this event. “It is in its 17th year, but it is the first time it is being held in Malta. However, I am sure it will prove to be a success. The course here looks beautiful and the competition should turn out to be an exceptional weekend for those taking part,” he said.

Nathan Farrugia, speaking on behalf of the Royal Malta Golf Club, said his club was really appreciative of the support of BMW for the sport. “It is true this is a splendid course. I am also sure the competition will be a great success and we also hope to make it a yearly event. The aim is to encourage more people to play the game, even if youngsters are always on the increase. We have around 500 Maltese members at the club at present and we expect around 100 in all to take part in the forthcoming tournament,” he said.

The event – over four days – is open to members of the club only. Prizes are to be won in the Men’s Category 1 (handicap up to -12) and Category 2 (handicap from -13 to -28) and in the Ladies Category (handicap up to -28).

The BMW Golf Cup international is being held for the 17th time. But since its inception, the competition has attracted thousands of ambitious amateur golfers from all over the world.

Every player has to be an amateur from a recognised golf club and with a valid handicap of max. -28. The winner of each handicap class qualifies for the World Final. Those who have already taken part in the World Finals of 2004 and 2005 will not be accepted for this year’s event to be held between 4 and 9 December, at the Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate, George, South Africa.

It is an outstanding five-star venue with magnificent courses which will certainly motivate every participant to play his best golf to qualify and to make this event even more exciting.

The prizes for the winners of the World Final 2006 are awarded in the same way as in the qualifying tournament. Besides the individual competitions, there is also a team competition for countries with the net points of the three participants of each country being added to give the team score. The best three teams receive trophies.