Players from the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour combined in 2024 to make a valuable contribution to the Birdies4Rhinos charity, which raises awareness and funds for conservation projects to protect threatened wildlife.
South African Louis Albertse was the leading birdie maker with a record 501 birdies, helping raise R500 000 for rhino conservation.
The professionals donate an amount of their choice for every birdie they make during the year.
Founded in 2017 by Justin Walters and Dean Burmester, the initiative has earned the backing of several high-profile golfers.
“You are on the golf course trying to beat your peers but off the golf course you come together to try and raise some money and make a difference. It means a lot,” Walters said.
The contribution from the professionals as well as other fundraising initiatives took the overall total raised to roughly R1 million, which is donated to the Connected Conservation Foundation.
“The professionals are making a huge difference for us,” said Bruce “Doc” Watson, the Executive Chairman of the Connected Conservation Foundation.
“All of the money they raise is put towards our projects involved in rhino conservation. We are making a difference, and the professionals help us considerably in terms of the success of our projects.”
Albertse, who received the rhino trophy awarded to the leading birdie maker ahead of this week’s co-sanctioned Joburg Open, said: “It’s a massive privilege to be able to help the rhinos in every way possible, and all the golfers coming together for us is brilliant.”
