Month: November 2024

ST FRANCIS LINKS, Eastern Cape – South African golf will celebrate one of its most prestigious titles when the South African PGA Championship, sponsored by African Bank, tees off at St Francis Links on Thursday, with a field showcasing some of the brightest young stars in the local game.

And none more so than Casey Jarvis, who finished second in this event in 2022 and who returns a vastly more experienced player after a year on the DP World Tour.

“It feels great to be back on the Sunshine Tour. I love the golf course as well and it’s looking very good. I’m looking forward to going out there this week and having a bit of fun,” said Jarvis.

The 21-year-old is looking to draw on everything this year has taught him, including the experience of playing in his first Major at the US Open.

“The courses are very difficult on the DP World Tour so you have to manage your game very well. I’ve learnt course management and how to manage my game under pressure, and generally how to deliver on those good shots when you need them. But I’ve also learnt a lot about life in general,” said Jarvis.

George Coetzee continues his comeback from injury and returns to the tournament he won for the second time in 2022. Jaco van Zyl tees it up as a three-time winner of the South African PGA Championship, and Rupert Kaminski returns as the defending champion having last year added his name to a trophy that includes Gary Player, Ernie Els, Mark McNulty, David Frost, Nick Price, Louis Oosthuizen and Americans Hale Irwin and Corey Pavin.

That’s a list that the likes of Jarvis would certainly like to add his name to as well.

“This is a tournament that means a lot to us as South Africans. I would love to join some of the names on that trophy. I have finished second here before so I’d like to go one better this year.”

African Bank’s sponsorship of this tournament is certainly apt considering the investment it represents in the future of the Sunshine Tour and its rising stars.

Kyle de Beer tees it up as the current leader on the Fortress Rookie of the Year standings, while Nikhil Rama and Dylan Naidoo are also in the field this week.

“We are proud to have partnered with the Sunshine Tour and PGA Championship for the second year in a row. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to excellence, and we look forward to the prospect of continuing this impactful relationship,” said David Polkinghorne, Group Executive, Business Development (Business and Commercial) at African Bank.

“Golf is a wonderful metaphor for business with inherent challenges along the way. Being an entrepreneur has similar ups and downs. This is a journey which our founders understood, and which backs our belief in business, providing much needed support as we help them grow. At African Bank we want to empower businesses to make the best financial decisions at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.”

The South African PGA Championship is also proudly supported by the Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency (ECPTA), the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, the Kouga Local Municipality, Momentum and Cape St Francis Resort. – Michael Vlismas

Asian golf will witness one of its most impressive rising stars make his debut in the Nedbank Golf Challenge when 19-year-old Wenyi Ding tees it up at Sun City, a highly popular destination for Chinese tourists, from December 5-8, 2024, with tickets and an exciting luxury public hospitality option available to buy here…, or to book at [email protected].
 
The Chinese golf sensation will face his biggest test since turning professional in October when he joins a stellar field for ‘Africa’s Major’ that already includes defending champion and six-time PGA TOUR winner Max Homa, PGA TOUR champions Will Zalatoris and Corey Conners, DP World Tour stars Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard, victorious European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, and fellow Sunshine Tour stars Thriston Lawrence, Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Erik van Rooyen.
 
Ding will now seek to make history as the first Chinese champion in the over 40 years of the Nedbank Golf Challenge and at a Sun City resort that is already a premier holiday and business destination for Chinese tourists, and where the South African Chinese community has also celebrated Chinese New Year.
 
Ding is expected to have a large following at a Sun City resort that is as widely recognised in China, as is Gary Player’s status as an international golf icon, and which is further enhanced by an expanded Vacation Club offering at Sun City as well as several resort refurbishments including to the popular The Palace of The Lost City.
 
After a glittering amateur career, Ding turned professional through the Global Amateur Pathway, which was launched by the DP World Tour, PGA Tour and The R&A to help the best eligible male amateur players within the top 20 on the World Amateur Golf Rankings take the next step in their careers and secure playing rights on the DP World Tour.
 
Although only a few months into his professional career, Ding is already a global golf sensation.
 
The Beijing-born golfer was the first in Arizona State history to win both the Pacific-12 Conference Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year. He was also the first Chinese golfer to win a United States Golf Association (USGA) title when he claimed the 2022 US Junior Amateur, and this year he won the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship.
 
Ding adds to a field that offers tantalising viewing for golf fans, and with this year’s Nedbank Golf Challenge also offering an unsurpassed hospitality experience including the new Hospitali-TEE Lounge.
 
The new luxury public Hospitali-TEE Lounge is aimed at elevating the normal day visitor experience with a brand new hospitality lounge located close to the Public Village and offering an air-conditioned facility with indoor and outdoor seating, a live feed of the golf, and catering throughout the day. The package fee will include an official entrance ticket to the Nedbank Golf Challenge, accreditation for exclusive access to the Hospitali-TEE Lounge, a premium buffet including breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks, a fully stocked open bar, an all-day coffee station, a live television feed of the golf, daily live entertainment, a daily player autograph opportunity, a sunscreen station, daily prizes and competitions, and official Nedbank Golf Challenge merchandise. To book click here…

GEORGE, Western Cape – There’s no place like home, and Dean Burmester certainly feels it.

Burmester’s return home to the Sunshine Tour this week saw him win the Vodacom Origins of Golf Final at Oubaai Golf Estate by seven strokes on Sunday, matching the second largest margin of victory in the history of this series. Jared Harvey owns the record for the largest margin of victory with his eight-stroke triumph in 2017.

“It’s just great to be back in South Africa playing golf and competing for trophies. I love South African golf,” said a delighted Burmester, who was surrounded by friends and family who watched him close with a 66 to win on 28 under par.

“It’s super special to win in front of so many friends and family. The South African hospitality is so special. The support we had and that super South African gees was just magnificent.”

Jean Hugo took second place on 21 under par with a closing 70.

Jacques Kruyswijk had an incredible final day as he surged up the leaderboard with a closing 62, including a back nine of 29, to finish third on 20 under par.

It was one of several magnificent rounds of golf on Sunday. Stefan Wears-Taylor put together a front nine of 29 on his way to a 63 that included four eagles for a total of 19 under par and a share of fourth place. And Branden Grace would’ve been delighted with his 63 to finish tied sixth on 18 under par.

But the final two rounds of this tournament were a battle between Burmester and Hugo. Having already built up a sizeable lead, Burmester could afford the two bogeys he made on 15 and 16 before finishing with two birdies, while Hugo double-bogeyed the 16^th.

“I had a good battle with Jean (Hugo) over the last two days which was also fun,” said Burmester. “But this is what I grew up on – this kikuyu grass. It suits my game. And it was so special to have everybody out here watching. My family and I made the move to George from Bloemfontein about eight years ago and we’ve absolutely been embraced by this town.”

This is Burmester’s second victory on the Vodacom Origins of Golf series after his win in 2015.

“I’m going into my 16^th year as a pro and this series has been going on for way longer. Vodacom have been supporting our Tour and supporting careers and families for so long. Long may their unwavering support of the Sunshine Tour continue,” he said.

Danielle du Toit finished as the leading Sunshine Ladies Tour professional in 20^th place on 13 under par with a final round of 68. Gabrielle Venter closed with a 69 to finish on 12 under par, while Cara Gorlei also posted a 69 to end her week on four under par. – Michael Vlismas

GEORGE, Western Cape – Dean Burmester signed for a bogey-free 63 to earn himself a three-stroke lead going into Sunday’s final round of the Vodacom Origins of Golf Final at Oubaai Golf Estate.
 
On another magnificent day on the Garden Route, Burmester teed off the third round chasing the lead of Jean Hugo and immediately made an impact with his four birdies in his first five holes.
 
Playing the kind of relaxed golf of a man who feels completely at home in this part of the world, Burmester also birdied the last to give himself a chance at a second Vodacom Origins of Golf title in his career after his other win on the series in 2015.
 
“It’s nice to be home. It’s nice to see the fans come out and support a local boy,” said Burmester.
 
Burmester’s level of comfort was nowhere more evident than in his short game on Saturday. His putting was outstanding, and his chipping on the back nine in particular helped him to maintain his scoring momentum.
 
“I’ve got a caddie who’s reading these green unbelievably well. I had 10 putts on the back nine. My iron play is still a little bit rusty, but the rest of my game is sharp. I haven’t driven the ball this well in a long time, so that’s putting me in a good position to score,” said Burmester.
 
“I had a good up-and-down for par on 15 with the putt just dropping in. I also had two good up-and-downs for par on 16 and 17 where I could’ve quite easily come back to the field. I work very hard on my chipping. I have to give Branden Grace credit because he’s helped me a lot with that and not opening the face of the club too much and keeping it a little bit square, especially on those uphill lies. It’s paying dividends this week for sure.”
 
Hugo, who is chasing a record 13^th Vodacom Origins of Golf title, also made a strong start with three birdies in his opening four holes. But he dropped two shots on the back nine.
 
It was also a good day for Stephen Ferreira who scored a hole-on-one on the par-three third hole, hitting an eight iron and earning himself 50 000 Skybucks from Airlink.
 
“It’s nice to get my second hole-in-one. I need to get a move on because my uncle has had 18. Hopefully I can get a few more. But it’s great from Airlink to give us those Skybucks.”
 
The Sunshine Ladies Tour challenge is led by Gabrielle Venter and Danielle du Toit on nine under par and in joint 25^th place. Venter posted a 70 on Saturday, while Du Toit signed for a 69. Cara Gorlei carded a 73 to finish the round on one under par. – Michael Vlismas

GEORGE, Western Cape – Tiger Woods had the Arnold Palmer Invitational and his eight wins there. Jack Nicklaus had an affinity for The Masters with his six victories. Gary Player has his 13 Investec South African Open titles. And Jean Hugo has the Vodacom Origins of Golf series.
 
With his 12 victories in total, Hugo is the undisputed master of the longest running pro-am series of tournaments on the Sunshine Tour. His wins on this series alone account for over half of his career victories on the Sunshine Tour.
 
And at Oubaai Golf Estate on Friday, Hugo lined up victory number 13.
 
Hugo signed for a 64 to head the field on 16 under par overall heading into the weekend of this Vodacom Origins of Golf Final.
 
He is three strokes clear of Dean Burmester and Sean Bradley. Burmester produced a bogey-free 64, and Bradley signed for a 67.
 
Oliver Bekker, who led the first round, kept himself in contention on 12 under par overall with a 70 on Friday. And Daniel van Tonder, a two-time winner on the Sunshine Tour this year already, climbed to 10 under par with a 63.
 
The longevity of Hugo’s success on this Vodacom Origins of Golf series is put into perspective when you consider that his first win on the series in 2006 saw him beat Chris Williams, who is now campaigning on the senior circuit. That’s a year before the first iPhone came out.
 
Ruan Conradie produced some impressive scoring of his own with a 63 that included a front nine of 29, lifting him to seven under par overall.
 
The Sunshine Ladies Tour professionals put in a strong performance on Friday, with three of the four who are participating this week making it through to the weekend.
 
Gabrielle Venter leads this charge in tied 15^th place on seven under par following a second round of 65. Danielle du Toit signed for a 67 to come through 36 holes on six under par, while Cara Gorlei is at two under par after a 73. – Michael Vlismas
 

GEORGE, Western Cape – Oliver Bekker produced a phenomenal 10-under-par 62 to lead the first round of the Vodacom Origins of Golf Final at Oubaai Golf Estate on Thursday.
 
Although there was placing in round one, Bekker’s bogey-free round was still just one shot off the joint course record held by course designer Ernie Els and Sunshine Tour professional Jovan Rebula.
 
“Everything worked today, so it was nice,” Bekker said after his round, which earned him a two-stroke lead over Jean Hugo and Sean Bradley.
 
On a beautiful day on the Garden Route, Bekker found the form he’s been searching for in a frustrating year thanks to a new set of irons and a new broomstick putter which he’s using for the first time this week.
 
“I got some new irons on Tuesday and they seem to be working. I got a new broomstick putter in the bag for the first time and I made a few nice putts, so I can’t complain. Obviously, I’ve been playing pretty poorly the last while and to now all of a sudden come out and shoot 10 under par gives you a lot of confidence. It came out of nowhere, but I was also quietly confident after I got my new irons. I hit a couple of quality shots with them and was just building momentum on that,” said the eight-time Sunshine Tour winner.
 
It was a performance that has given Bekker an opportunity to add his name to the illustrious list of champions on the Vodacom Origins of Golf series over the past two decades.
 
“I hit it good off the tee and I think I missed only one green in regulation. My iron play was really good and that’s been something I’ve been struggling with big time over the last three to six months. So that was nice to see.
 
“It’s still early days but it’s nice to be out here and in the lead. You can’t win it on the first day but you can definitely lose it. I’m in a good position. There are three more rounds to go and hopefully the weather stays like this, and then I think it will be an enjoyable week.”
 
Behind him Hugo’s bogey-free 64 has also put him in a good position to keep building his incredible legacy on this series. Hugo is hunting a record 13^th Vodacom Origins of Golf title this week and won the first tournament on the series this year.
 
Dean Burmester, also a former winner on this series, opened with a five-under-par 67, while Branden Grace – the winner of the 2012 Vodacom Origins of Golf Final – signed for a two-under-par 70. – Michael Vlismas
 

South Africa’s Robin Williams will lead an exciting group of young rising stars who will finish off their golf year in Mauritius at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, which represents an opportunity for all of them to make their next big breakthroughs in a co-sanctioned tournament.
 
Tickets are available here through the official ticketing partner ticketbox.mu.

The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, to be played at Mont Choisy Le Golf in Grand Baie, Mauritius, from 19-22 December, forms part of the DP World Tour’s “Opening Swing” for the new 2025 season and as such represents a key opportunity for Williams to make a fast start to his DP World Tour career.
 
The 23-year-old secured his DP World Tour card for the next season through the Sunshine Tour, and amidst what has been a phenomenal rise through the ranks in only his second season on the Tour.
 
From being crowned the Fortress Rookie of the Year on the Sunshine Tour last season, Williams is now a two-time winner on the Sunshine Tour and has impressed in a few tournaments on the DP World Tour. His form has caught the eye of even Gary Player, who has taken the young golfer under his wing.
 
The next step for Williams would be a breakthrough win in a Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour co-sanctioned event, with the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open offering that opportunity.
 
“To be in this situation where I am now and competing against some big names on the big stages is mind blowing. I would never have believed it at the start of the year. I’ll just keep going, keep my head down and work hard,” said Williams.
 
Around him are several other young stars equally poised for a big week in Mauritius.
 
The 21-year-old Yurav Premlall has already broken through with his maiden Sunshine Tour victory this year, and is just as ready to take the step up with a possible DP World Tour triumph. The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open will also offer him an opportunity to consolidate his current third place on the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit delivered by The Courier Guy which, if he can remain there by the end of the season, will earn him a DP World Tour card.
 
“I’ve put myself in a good position on the Sunshine Tour and I don’t want to lose sight of what my goal was this year. The Sunshine Tour is a great platform to get onto the DP World Tour, so I’ll focus on that and hopefully get that job done,” he said.
 
Both Williams and Premlall will be making their second appearances in the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.
 
South Africa’s Jonathan Broomhead will head to Mauritius amidst what has been a very successful year for him. The 23-year-old is a two-time winner on the Sunshine Tour this year already and currently in second place on the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit delivered by The Courier Guy as he also chases that top-three season finish and a chance to compete on the DP World Tour.
 
And 23-year-old Nikhil Rama will be playing in his third AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open having already experienced what it means to challenge in a co-sanctioned event when he led going into the weekend of the 2023 Joburg Open.
 
“I know I’m close and I know I can compete. It’s just a week that needs to go my way and I know that will come,” he said.
 
Rama is also just as aware of the fact that he’s one of a young breed of professionals who could all turn a week in paradise in Mauritius into a life-changing week for their careers.
 
“Definitely. Yurav was knocking for a long time and I’m really happy he got the win now. I played with Jonathan as an amateur and he’s always been a top-class golfer. So I just need to keep pushing because I believe in myself. The co-sanctioned tournaments will be an important next step for me,” he said.
 
The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open is proudly supported by leading brands such as AfrAsia Bank, Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, the Mont Choisy Group, the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), the Economic Development Board (EDB) Mauritius, Rogers, IBL, Emtel, Heritage Resorts, Mastercard, Poncini, Range Rover, the Mauritius Golf Federation, Phoenix Beverages, Kohler, ticketbox.mu, DStv, Air Mauritius, C-Care, Mautourco, Häagen-Dazs, Ernie Els Wines, London No.1 Gin, Famous Grouse, Oaks and Ames, Graham Beck, Miko Coffee, TCL, CBE and SMAG.

GEORGE, Western Cape – Dean Burmester and Branden Grace are both back on the Sunshine Tour this week, and back on a Vodacom Origins of Golf series that was an early catalyst for the successful international careers they’ve enjoyed.
 
The Sunshine Tour stars are part of a strong field that will tee off Thursday’s first round of the Vodacom Origins of Golf Final at Oubaai Golf Estate, wrapping up another season of the longest-running pro-am series on the Tour.
 
It’s a significant moment for both Burmester and Grace as they return to a series on which they both won early in their careers.
 
“For as long as I’ve been a professional, the Vodacom Origins of Golf series has been a very loyal supporter of our Sunshine Tour. I came through this series and was able to progress from there, and without the opportunities that this series presents none of the younger pros would be able to grow their careers from here as well. It’s a very special relationship, and I’m very happy to back here playing on it,” said Burmester, who won on this series in 2015 before going on to become a multiple DP World Tour champion.
 
“I’d love to win another one, and that’s why I’m here. I know this golf course and it’s in great condition, so it was an easy decision.”
 
Grace has equally fond memories of this series with his victory in the Final in 2012, and which led to a career that saw him become a nine-time winner on the DP World Tour and two-time champion on the PGA Tour.
 
“The Vodacom Origins of Golf is such a big part of South African golf. It played a major part in my career early on, with that win opening a few doors for me. It just gave me that momentum to take the next step up in my career,” he said.
 
This week’s field also includes Brandon Pieters, who was only the second player in history to win three times in one season on the series in 2009.
 
Jean Hugo tees off as the winner of the most Vodacom Origins of Golf titles in the series’ history, having claimed his 12^th title this year. And Yurav Premlall is looking for his second victory on the series this year.
 
The field also includes four Sunshine Ladies Tour professionals as part of the series’ drive this year for equal opportunity in the game. They will compete in the same tournament for the same prize money as the Sunshine Tour professionals. – Michael Vlismas

GEORGE, Western Cape – South African rugby legend Victor Matfield believes golf is perhaps the country’s only other sport that consistently matches the Springboks in terms of success on the international stage and depth in talent, while fellow Bok Akona Ndungane is equally impressed with the country’s young golf stars.
 
Matfield and Ndungane, both passionate golfers, are no stranger to the Sunshine Tour’s brightest young stars as they regularly play in the pro-ams on the Tour. This week they’re competing in the Vodacom Origins of Golf Final at the Oubaai Golf Estate, and both are impressed with the talent they’re seeing on the Tour.
 
“I think the two sports in South Africa that stand out in terms of making a big international impact are rugby and golf. If you think of the golfers this country has produced, it’s unbelievable. And we can’t wait for the new generation to come through,” said Matfield.
 
While the Springboks have claimed a record fourth Rugby World Cup title, the country’s professional golfers can boast a collective 22 Major Championship victories which places South Africa fourth on the all-time list of Major wins.
 
Matfield said he sees the Sunshine Tour’s ability to create a global pathway for its players to progress to the highest level as being similar to the country’s strong rugby’s structures.
 
“When Rassie (Erasmus) started allowing the players to go overseas, we were all worried about the Currie Cup and the Vodacom United Rugby Championship. But it actually turned out well for us because we have so much talent here. I think it’s the same with golf. We have so much talent in this country, and tournaments like this Vodacom Origins of Golf series are so important in terms of giving these young players opportunities. The more opportunities they get here, the quicker they’ll get to that stage where they can compete at a higher level. I can’t wait to see these young stars here break onto the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, and ultimately start winning Majors.”
 
It’s a sentiment shared by Ndungane.
 
“It’s incredible to see the golf talent coming through. I had the privilege of speaking to the Sunshine Tour Commissioner, Thomas Abt, this week. The motto of the Sunshine Tour is Greatness Begins Here, and the beauty of that is that these young golfers have role models that they can look up to in the great South African golfers that came before them. Last weekend, young Sunshine Tour star Robin Williams played 36 holes with Gary Player. Imagine what that kind of time with a legend does for Robin.”
 
Looking ahead to this weekend’s Springbok Test against England, both Matfield and Ndungane have backed the Boks.
 
“The Springboks are just unbelievable at the moment. I don’t think they had their best game against Scotland last weekend, but they still beat one of the best Scotland teams by 17 points and without fielding their best team. That shows the class of the team at the moment. I think this weekend we’ll see a Springbok team that’s up for it, and I think England’s in trouble,” said Matfield.
 
“They’ll be coming up against a wounded England team which is hurting. It’s going to be a tough game, but I think the Springboks have enough in the tank to pull it off,” added Ndungane. – Michael Vlismas
 

SUN CITY, North West – The Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational celebrated another memorable edition of golf, charity and friendship as over R2.5 million was raised for the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School upon conclusion of the tournament at the Gary Player Country Club on Sunday.

Even more is still expected to be raised through various auction items as South Africa’s sports stars and celebrities, the Sunshine Tour’s professional golfers, and business leaders all came together to help ensure a sustainable future for the school for underprivileged children which was founded by Gary and Vivienne Player.

“At my age, the only word I have is gratitude,” said Player.

“The people we have had here, and how they have opened their hearts for our Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School, is just incredible. Vivienne loved that school so much and it was her last words to me that we do our best to keep supporting its future.

“There are so many people in South Africa who need hope for a better future. This weekend, our family in golf came together to ensure that the children of our Blair Atholl school do indeed have a brighter future they can look forward to.”

The two-day tournament was decided over 31 holes after a heavy thunderstorm on Sunday, with the team of Sunshine Tour professional Martin Rohwer, former Bafana Bafana star Mark Williams and the father-and-son duo of Darryl and Daniel Egdes declared the 2024 champions on 160 points.

“I’m extremely proud of our team,” said Rohwer. “It was my debut in this tournament and it was amazing. We had a lot of fun. It’s great for us as Sunshine Tour professionals to be part of this and enjoy these two days while supporting such a great cause.”

Williams was delighted to accept his unique baobab trophy as a champion. “I always thought our team had the potential to win. Playing with Darryl and his son Daniel was brilliant, and Martin brought the professionalism for us. It was a great team effort.”

“Martin was a proper professional to all of us. He helped us every step of the way and we just had a very good time out there,” added Darryl Egdes.

“It was just a privilege to spend a weekend playing with this group. We had a lot of laughs out there. It was fantastic to be here and support Mr Player,” said Daniel Egdes. – Michael Vlismas

Team Winners: Gary Player (centre) congratulates (from left to right) Daniel Egdes, Darryl Egdes, Mark Williams and Martin Rohwer on their overall team victory in the 2024 Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational at Sun City on Sunday. Credit: Gary and Vivienne Player Invitational.