Swing for Sight

RESTORING SIGHT WITH EVERY SWING

GOLF ENTHUSIASTS, UNITE!

Join the Dis-Chem Foundation and Retina South Africa for an unforgettable day on the greens, where funky eyewear meets philanthropy. Get ready to swing, putt, and make a difference – all while looking fabulous! 

EMPOWERING VISUALLY IMPAIRED ATHLETES

In an effort to showcase and bolster the abilities of athletes with visual impairments, we are sponsoring a Para Team for the Swing For Sight event. This team, which includes two representatives from Retina SA and two from the South African Blind Golf team, will represent Retina SA under our Save Our Sight initiative. Our aim is to elevate awareness and generate funds to enhance the lives of those with visual impairments through this inspiring showcase of determination and skill.

MEET THE RETINA SA PARA GOLF TEAM

SPOTLIGHT ON ERNST CONRADIE

A picture of Ernst Conradie wearing a peak cap. In the background, there are blurred trees and a clear blue sky. In the top right corner is the Retina South Africa Logo with the tagline A Cure in Sight for Blindness and below it is the Save Our Sight Campaign Logo. The image has a gold background around it.

Meet Ernst, a true champion in para sports! Diagnosed with Stargardts at 12, Ernst hasn’t let vision loss slow him down:
  • Proud member of Retina South Africa
  • Member of South African Blind Golf Association (SABGA)
  • Midmar Mile winner (disabled category)
  • World Blind Cricket Cup champion
  • Represented SA in 3 World Blind Golf Championships
Ernst’s journey: From school sports star to international para-athlete, he’s been breaking barriers since day one. Now, he’s bringing his passion to golf at our Swing For Sight annual golf day in collaboration with The Dis-Chem Foundation!

“I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s event. It’s a chance to show that golf is for everyone, regardless of vision. Plus, it supports Retina South Africa’s new campaign”.

 

SPOTLIGHT ON JOHAN KOTZE

A picture of Johan Kotze wearing a peak cap and sunglasses. In the top right corner is the Retina South Africa Logo with the tagline A Cure in Sight for Blindness and below it is the Save Our Sight Campaign Logo. The image has a gold background around it.

Meet Johan, 49-year-old champion defying expectations! Diagnosed with Stargardts disease at 10, he’s become a para sports icon:
  • Proud member of Retina SA 
  • Member of South African Blind Golf Association (SABGA)
  • Represented SA in 3 Blind Cricket World Cups
  • Competed in blind golf tournaments worldwide

“Blind golf exists, and we can compete with anyone!”

SPOTLIGHT ON KGOSIETSILE MMOLOKE

A picture of Kgosi Mmoloke wearing a white peak cap and sunglasses. In the background, there are blurred trees and a clear blue sky. In the top right corner is the Retina South Africa Logo with the tagline A Cure in Sight for Blindness and below it is the Save Our Sight Campaign Logo. The image has a gold background around it.
Meet Kgosi, a Mining Engineer and father of four living with Cone Rod Dystrophy. His journey is pure inspiration:
  • Proud member of Retina SA
  • Pursued an MBA post-diagnosis
  • Started his own business
  • Returned to golf with renewed passion

“Every swing fuels hope and spreads positivity.”

SPOTLIGHT ON LEON STRYDOM

A picture of Leon Strydom wearing a blue sleeveless puffer jacket and a black cap is in the middle of a golf swing, holding a golf club overhead. In the top right corner is the Retina South Africa Logo with the tagline A Cure in Sight for Blindness and below it is the Save Our Sight Campaign Logo. The image has a gold background around it.
Meet Leon, a Computer Science grad turning challenges into triumphs:
  • Proud member of Retina SA
  • Member of South African Blind Golf Association (SABGA)
  • Attended Pioneer School for the Blind
  • Excels in IT using accessibility tools
  • Represented SA 6 times in Blind Golf

“With dedication, you can compete with sighted players and achieve great things.”

WHY FUNKY EYEWEAR?

We believe that vision restoration deserves a touch of whimsy! So, dust off those colorful shades, oversized frames, and quirky goggles – let’s tee up for a cause while looking fabulous! 

EVENT DETAILS:

DATE 

Tuesday, September 3, 2024 

VENUE

Royal Johannesburg Golf Course 

FORMAT OF PLAY/TEE-OFF TIME 

4 ball alliance, 2 scores to count.
Shot Gun Start – Tee-off time – 11:00

CADDIES FEES

Caddies are available at R85.00 per caddy (incl. their lunch + a drink) with a minimum tip of R400 per Caddy.

BAD WEATHER

Should bad weather interrupt play and less than 9 holes have been played, the event will be rescheduled.  If 9 holes or more have been played, a 9-hole scoring format will be adopted.

REGISTRATION

Please report to the registration desk from 08:30.

CASHLESS EVENT

Please note that Royal Johannesburg is a cashless golf club. 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • 18 Holes of Fun: Navigate the lush fairways and tricky bunkers with your fellow golf enthusiasts.
  • Best Funky Eyewear Contest: Strut your stuff on the greens – the most eye-catching eyewear wins a prize!
  • Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for eye health.
  • Delicious Refreshments: Enjoy gourmet snacks and refreshing beverages throughout the day.

HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE?

1. REGISTER YOUR TEAM (4 BALL):

 Gather your golf buddies, colleagues, or family members. Teams of four are welcome!

Promotional graphic for the Swing for Sight It features a vibrant green grass background with a close-up of a golf ball and tee on the left side There are three logos at the top “Dis-Chem Foundation” , Royal Johannesburg Golf Club and the Save Our Sight Logo. Dominating the center of the image is a large red stamp that reads “SOLD OUT”, implying that tickets or participation slots for this event have been sold out at a price of R8000. At the bottom, against a black backdrop, is text stating “Four Ball”, likely referring to the format or type of golf play offered at this event.   

2. SPONSOR A HOLE

By sponsoring a hole, you not only get a unique opportunity to display your brand’s commitment to the community, but also contribute significantly to our cause. Showcase your brand and contribute to our cause by sponsoring a hole. Various Hole Sponsorships available, contact Linsay Engelbrecht at events@retinasa.org.za

Two images of hole sponsors at the Swing for Sight 2023, the one on the left is Biogen and the one on the right is eternity.

3. DONATE

Even if you’re unable to be with us on the golf course, your contribution to Retina South Africa would still be greatly appreciated. Consider making a donation today! Your support can make a significant difference.

The image is a promotional graphic for Retina South Africa. It features a pair of hands, one giving a red heart to the other, symbolizing donation. Below this depiction, there is bold text that reads “DONATE NOW!”, encouraging viewers to make a contribution. The upper left part of the image contains the Save our Sight logo and the Retina SA logo below it.

4. TABLE AT THE CLUB HOUSE   

Tasters are allowed, product may be sold.

Players responsible for R1 500.00 corkage fee if product is opened.

Contact Linsay at events@retinasa.org.za to arrange a table. 

Let’s swing, putt, and raise our glasses (or funky eyewear) to a brighter future!

See you on the greens!