In the pursuit of professionalism and excellence, it is often said that ‘practice makes perfect’. However, if one were to lend an ear to Kathy Whitworth, they may either be emboldened or humbled about their progress along this pursuit. To hear: “Golf is a puzzle without an answer. I’ve played the game for 50 years, and I still haven’t the slightest idea of how to play” from the all-time wins leader of the Ladies Professional Golf Association is enough to give one whiplash. Rather than sitting with any implied futility, the silver lining is that her sentiments remind us to find joy in the journey, and that mystery will always be a part of getting better. It is this very premise that has kept Ladies’ Circle Botswana’s (LCB) charity gold day a calendar staple.
The month of March kicks off with players of all skill levels making footfall on the Stanbic Bank Gaborone Golf Club green in support of LCB’s fundraising efforts for Lorato House Rescue Centre in Maun. A powerful call for corporate and community support, the event aims to drive critical funds to the value of P 80,000.00 toward the organisation that is LCB’s primary beneficiary for the 2025-2026 service cycle. Taking place on Friday, 6th of March, ahead of International Women’s Day, this is an aptly timed event for a noble cause. More than just a competition, the tournament promises a day of networking, empowerment, and philanthropy, bringing together distinguished executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across various industries.
Ladies’ Circle Botswana is a registered charity organisation affiliated with Ladies’ Circle International, uniting women aged 18 to 45 under the motto “Friendship & Service”. The group operates on a voluntary basis to cater to vulnerable women and children across the nation. Every two years, the organisation identifies a primary charity to support. Lorato House is a licensed facility in Maun that provides 24-hour residential care to vulnerable children aged 0–5 years and children with disabilities aged 0–13 years, making it the only centre of its kind in Botswana. Since 2009, they have supported over 110 children, and they currently care for 65, offering comprehensive nutrition, education, healthcare, and emotional support to ensure their safety and development.
“Whether you are a professional looking to network on the green, or a beginner eager to try your hand at the sport for a good cause, your involvement will make a difference”, remarks Tafadzwa Chawafambira, Ladies’ Circle Botswana National President, inviting would-be participants and sponsors to make their way to Stanbic Bank Gaborone Golf Club to register. With hole sponsorship ranging from BWP 2,000 for 4 Ball to P 30,000 for Platinum, businesses and groups of all sizes can use golf as the medium for change that it is. In 2023, Golf RSA CEO Grant Hepburn affirmed that golf contributed ZAR 49 billion (roughly 4 percent of GDP) to the South African economy, and employed about 40,000 people annually. Perhaps, Botswana can harness some of this power for charity, whether one walks out with a prize or not.
The salve to Whitworth’s statement comes from three-time major champion, Nancy Marie Lopez: “Do your best, one shot at a time and then move on. Remember that golf is just a game”. All in all, knowing that your participation helps a worthy cause advocating for Botswana’s most vulnerable children’s prosperous presents and futures should be more than enough motivation to join Ladies’ Circle Botswana this year. It’s time to put the “tee” in charity!
