BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
EZULWINI– His Majesty King Mswati III has described the King’s Golf Cup as an initiative that has evolved beyond the boundaries of sport, becoming a platform for bringing people together, fostering friendships across borders and showcasing the Kingdom of Eswatini to the world.
Speaking during the King’s Golf Cup dinner at the Ezulwini Palazzo ICC on Friday night, His Majesty said the 22-year-old tournament had grown into an important national initiative that promotes healthy competition while creating opportunities for people from different countries to interact.
“The tournament has grown far beyond a sporting competition,” His Majesty said, noting that the King’s Cup now contributes to strengthening relationships between people and nations.
He said the tournament provided an opportunity to showcase the warmth and hospitality of EmaSwati, while also exposing international visitors to the country’s tourism attractions, culture and natural beauty.
The King’s Cup has attracted professional and elite golfers from the SADC region and beyond, with the 2026 edition being staged in partnership with the Big Easy Tour (BET), a development tour affiliated to South Africa’s Sunshine Tour.
His Majesty welcomed the partnership, saying it further strengthened the tournament’s standing and created an avenue for Eswatini to host golfers from across the region and internationally.
He also acknowledged the contribution of local golfers, saying their continued participation demonstrated the growing popularity of golf in the Kingdom.
International golfers were encouraged to experience Eswatini beyond the golf course by exploring its landscapes, cultural heritage, wildlife and hospitality.
His Majesty said the presence of international participants strengthened bonds of friendship between Eswatini and the countries they represented.
He stressed that while competition remained central to the tournament, golfers should uphold the values associated with the sport, including integrity, respect, friendship and sportsmanship.
“The golf course may determine who takes home the trophy, but the friendships created here are victories that endure long after the final putt,” he said.
The King’s Cup has also become an important vehicle for promoting sports tourism, with the tournament bringing together sporting, business and tourism interests.
His Majesty noted that the event contributes to the broader development of the Kingdom by attracting visitors and creating opportunities for businesses and other stakeholders.
He further thanked the sponsors and partners for their continued support, describing their involvement as evidence of confidence in the tournament and its contribution to the development of sport and tourism.
The 2026 tournament attracted 120 professionals and elite golfers at the start of the main competition, according to the King’s Cup Committee.
His Majesty also commended the organisers for the successful staging of the 22nd edition and expressed hope that the tournament would continue expanding its international reach.
He said the King’s Golf Cup should ultimately become a prestigious tournament not only in the region and Africa, but across the globe.
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