According to Sun City spokesperson, Sue Klerck, a greener tournament is a priority for the tournament organisers. Sporting event coordinators across the globe are taking steps towards carbon neutral sporting events, and the Sun City Nedbank Golf Challenge is no different.

"At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, organisers went through great trouble to reduce the carbon impact of the tournament by taking part in national environmental projects. Like the FIFA World Cup, the Africa Major is a world-class sporting event in all aspects. We realise that environmental responsibility has to be shared by all." she said.

Six solar geysers replaced six conventional water heaters in bathrooms and kitchens at different points around the golf course. These systems supplied 1 800 litres of hot water, free from the sun throughout the tournament.

"Most areas in South Africa get an average of 2 500 hours of sunlight per year. Heating water with solar energy in a country that has solar radiation levels of between 4.5 and 6.5kWh/m2 per day seemed like a logical first step," continued Klerck.

Selected Energy managing director and golf enthusiast, Jim Hickey was excited about the opportunity to be involved with one of the biggest golf tournaments in the world.

"Selected Energy is very proud to supply solar geysers to Sun City Nedbank Golf Challenge. South Africa is the ideal location for solar water heating initiatives. The Africa Major tournament presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate to the world that we are as committed to solar energy as we are to a good day on the golf course."