Month: February 2026

STELLENBOSCH, Western Cape – Casey Jarvis called it “My greatest putt in front of my home crowd” as he made an incredible par at the last to wild cheers from the crowd that earned him the lead in the Investec South African Open Championship at Stellenbosch Golf Club on Saturday.

Jarvis signed for a third round of 64 to claim a one-stroke lead on 11 under par. His nearest challengers are fellow South African Hennie du Plessis, who signed for a 67, and Italian Francesco Laporta, who posted a 70, on 10 under par.

Jarvis hit his second on the par-four 18^th far right and into the hospitality before going on to hole a 23-footer for par that brought an almighty cheer from the crowd.

“It was such a cool moment. The home support is fantastic. I love playing here,” said the young South African, who is hunting back-to-back victories on the DP World Tour after winning in Kenya last week.

The incredible atmosphere on Saturday made an impact on all the players.

“The crowds definitely kept me going. It’s a pity not every event is like this. I’ve never experienced this before,” said Du Plessis.

And Laporta agreed. “The crowd was amazing. It was crazy.”

They needed every bit of that support on a day when this Stellenbosch Golf Club course again showed itself to be an incredibly fair test, and with a change in wind direction making it even harder.

“It wasn’t easy out there today. It’s not an easy course. I started slowly and was one under through seven holes, and everything changed when I chipped in on eight. Then I said, ‘Ok, let’s go’,” said Jarvis, who birdied four of his next five holes to begin his charge.

Jarvis has put aside the memories of his breakthrough DP World Tour victory last week and says he’s completely focused on the job at hand here in Stellenbosch.

“Right now I’m focused on winning this tournament. There are a lot of good players up on the leaderboard and I’m just trying to stay patient and we’ll see what happens.”

Behind him, Du Plessis feels a similar sense that he’s peaking at the right time in this championship.

“I’m in the mix and I’m up for it,” he said.

And Laporta is just as focused, with exemptions into The Masters and The Open up for grabs on Sunday.

“Sunday is a big day. I’m in contention and I’m looking forward to it,” he said. – Michael Vlismas

STELLENBOSCH, Western Cape – Francesco Laporta calls South Africa his second home, and this weekend he is looking to become the first Italian winner of South Africa’s oldest professional golf tournament – the Investec South African Open.

Laporta took advantage of a windstill morning in the winelands on Friday and signed for a 64 to lead this championship on 10 under par. He is one shot clear of England’s Nathan Kimsey, who also posted his 65 on Friday morning.

Dean Burmester leads the South African challenge on eight under par following his second round of 67. And Hennie du Plessis proved just how good the morning conditions were for low scoring when he carded a course record 63 – confirmed by Stellenbosch Golf Club in light of their tee box changes for this championship and the enlarged water hazard on 18 – to climb into contention on seven under par.

Laporta spent several years living in Johannesburg and played on the Sunshine Tour before moving back to Italy, and he says his love for South Africa and its people has never left him.

“I like playing in South Africa. It’s been my second home for a long time. This course actually reminds me a lot more of the Johannesburg courses. It’s tough, the fairways are tight and there’s a lot of rough so you have to hit it straight. I like it. I’m looking forward to the weekend. I’m sure the fans will cheer for the South Africans. But South Africans are always fair and it’s always good to play in front of them,” said Laporta.

The closest an Italian has ever come to winning the Investec South African Open was Renato Paratore who finished tied second in 2023. Laporta is hoping his accuracy off the tee, which has been his strongpoint, continues on the weekend to give him a shot at making history.

“My tee shots were good. On this golf course if you hit your tee shots straight you have a lot of opportunities,” he said.

Just one shot behind him, Kimsey is equally excited about the opportunity that awaits for him on a huge weekend where an exemption into the 2026 Masters and exemptions for the top three finishers not already exempt into The Open are on offer.

“My game’s been good and I’m glad I could put myself in contention here,” he said.

At two shots off the lead, Burmester has a chance at a second Investec South African Open title after winning in 2023, even though he didn’t feel like he took full advantage of the calm Friday morning conditions.

“Considering how good the conditions were in the morning, the course was really gettable and I just didn’t feel like I had my best game with me. I’m proud of the way I hung in there because the driver misbehaved quite a bit. But we’ll see what the weekend holds.”

Even Du Plessis is making no secret of his intentions this weekend.

“I feel like my game has been trending for the last month or so, and I’ve focused all of my preparation on this incredible tournament.”

The chase for a place in Investec South African Open history is about to enter the final 36 holes. – Michael Vlismas

STELLENBOSCH, Western Cape – South Africa’s Dean Burmester said he’d never experienced crowds on a first day in South African golf like he did in Thursday’s first round of the Investec South African Open,  which he ended in a share of the lead.

Golf fans lined the fairways and filled the grandstands on a day when Burmester’s opening five-under-par 65 on a challenging par-70 Stellenbosch Golf Club layout earned him a share of the lead with Spain’s Alejandro del Rey, England’s Joe Dean and Finland’s Oliver Lindell.

They are one stroke clear of South Africa’s Herman Loubser, American Johannes Veerman, England’s Nathan Kimsey and Italy’s Francesco Laporta.

GolfRSA amateur Jack Buchanan, the winner of the recent Africa Amateur Championship, leads the chase for the Freddie Tait Cup after his opening one-under 69 in what is his debut in the Investec South African Open.

Patrick Reed opened with a 71 on his debut in this this championship, and defending champion Dylan Naidoo signed for a 73. Ernie Els began his championship with a four-over-par 74.

Burmester, who won this title in 2023, said he was blown away by the throngs of fans who surrounded the first tee box and the cheers he received as a former champion stepping onto the 18^th green with a share of the lead.

“What a vibe. What a venue. Everybody has done an amazing job here. Everybody who helped get this course into incredible shape has done a fantastic job. You can look at the scoring and for a golf course of this length it’s pretty fair. It’s going to show its teeth over the rest of the championship for sure,” he said.

The revamped golf course did indeed test this field on the opening day, combined with a gusting wind that certainly caught their attention.

“It was tough. The course is showing teeth for sure and I had a hot putter today. I just felt really comfortable on these greens. They’re the same as what I play in George when I’m home. It feels easy to see the lines and they’re a very comfortable speed. It’s fun to putt on them.

“But look, you don’t win it on Thursday but you can definitely play yourself out of it. I’m happy not to have done that. I’m proud of the way I hung in there. To only make two bogeys on a golf course like this in the wind and then to make seven birdies is special. I’ve just got to stick to my guns now and hopefully I can produce three more days like this.” – Michael Vlismas

STELLENBOSCH, Western Cape – The 115^th Investec South African Open Championship is officially sold out.

In what has been a massive response from golf fans to this Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour co-sanctioned tournament, the organisers confirmed on Wednesday that tickets are sold out and that there will be no ticket sales online or at the gate. The tournament will be televised live on SuperSport Channel 213.

The news was announced on the eve of what is one of the most significant editions of the national Open.

With exemptions into The Masters and The Open, a field including Major winners, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup players as well as Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour champions, and a revamped Stellenbosch Golf Club course, this year’s Investec South African Open will indeed be one of the greatest tributes to the history of this proud championship.

For five-time Investec South African Open champion Ernie Els, this week represents everything that is so special to him about South African golf.

“It’s great to be back here. I played a junior golf event here in Stellenbosch. I first played in the Investec South African Open as a 16 year old in 1986, and then all the way through. I’m 56 now. It just shows you what this tournament has meant to me. When I won it in 1992, that got me started winning around the world. It was the start of my whole career,” said Els.

Els added he was looking forward to the challenge of this week.

“I’m excited to play. The wind will always play a factor here. The fairways are very narrow and you can have some really difficult lies in the rough here.”

Patrick Reed, making his debut in the Investec South African Open, is equally excited to immerse himself in the history and tradition of this championship.

“I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to get down here because South Africa is beautiful. The golf course is really demanding off the tee and it gets your full attention from start to finish. But knowing the history and tradition of this championship, it’s exciting and hopefully I’ll have a chance to lift the trophy on Sunday,” he said. – Michael Vlismas

STELLENBOSCH, Western Cape – With exemptions into The Masters and The Open on the line, and over 30 000 tickets sold to what is being billed as “A Tribute to History”, this week’s Investec South African Open is certainly showcasing itself to the world. And three of its former champions couldn’t be more pleased.

“This has always been the one tournament that means the most to us as South African golfers. This one has the history and the gravitas. It’s a really exciting week. I want to give my absolute best this week,” defending champion Dylan Naidoo said at Stellenbosch Golf Club on Tuesday, while surrounded by grandstands and VIP hospitality marquees that have brought the feel of Major Championship golf to the winelands.

“It’s our biggest event as South African golfers. Now the rest of the world will see what this tournament means to us,” added Branden Grace, who said he felt immense pride at being a former winner of the world’s second oldest national Open.

“I still get goosebumps when I watch the videos of my victory. This is one of those that, as a South African golfer, you want to win, and I’ve been privileged enough to do so. Anytime we have the chance to come back and support the Sunshine Tour is pretty special, and knowing that I’ve had my hands on this trophy makes this week even more special. I hear there are going to be amazing crowds this week. It’s also nice to see the Investec South African Open moving around the country like it has – from Johannesburg to Durban and now to Stellenbosch. It’s nice that it’s seeing the country,” said Grace, who won this title in January 2020.

Dean Burmester said he was equally proud to be representing his country in a field that this week includes American Ryder Cup star and 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed, multiple Major winner Ernie Els, 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel, and a host of winners on the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour.

“I have so many fond memories of this event and all the history that goes with it. I’ve had a very long relationship with Investec as well, so this is a very special event for me for a lot of reasons. We have an amazing field this week, and we’ve got a really good opportunity to showcase what we’re all about as a country and how we can unite through sport, and golf plays a big part in that. It’s amazing for anybody in this field to have the opportunity to play in The Masters and The Open. To be able to showcase our young talent on a platform like this to the world is special.”

One of those young talents is South Africa’s Casey Jarvis, who tees off this week as a recent maiden winner on the DP World Tour.

“I know I’m capable of achieving things on the DP World Tour. My game relies on confidence and I’m running on that at the moment. This tournament also means the world to us as South Africans. The set-up here is amazing, the field is really strong, and it’s great to see some big overseas names wanting to come and play here.” – Michael Vlismas

Vehicle tracking and telematics leader partners to explore performance analytics for professional golf.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Netstar, a subsidiary of Altron and leading provider of vehicle tracking and telematics solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with the Sunshine Tour to develop enhanced golf performance analytics and tracking capabilities together.

The strategic partnership aims to support South African golfers by providing insights to help refine skills, define strategies, and improve consistency. The partnership brings Netstar’s tracking technology to professional golf, with both organisations committed to developing a custom solution together. By applying telematics and analytics capabilities used in fleet management, Netstar and the Sunshine Tour will work together to create tools that support player development over time.

“This partnership represents the Altron Group’s commitment to building epic solutions using data, technology and human ingenuity,” said Werner Kapp, CEO of Altron Group. “Just as Netstar has pioneered vehicle tracking and fleet management, we’re now applying that innovation-first approach to help accelerate South Africa’s proud golf heritage.”

The technology aims to provide performance tracking including shot dispersion, accuracy trends, and strategic insights, enabling players and coaches to make data-driven improvements. As the solution matures, future phases may enhance fan engagement through interactive platforms, bringing spectators closer to the action with statistics and analytics.

The solution being developed combines three core elements of Netstar’s capabilities: compact, wearable GPS tracking devices that track a player’s position on the course; a shot capture application operated by trained markers during tournament rounds; and an analytics dashboard delivering performance insights across six key areas – scoring, off the tee, approach shots, short game, putting, and strokes gained. As coverage expands, the dashboard will enable players to benchmark their performance against Sunshine Tour peers or even DP World Tour or PGA TOUR standards, helping identify areas for improvement.

“From tracking vehicles to tracking victories – this partnership showcases how our core technology can transcend industries,” explained Grant Fraser, Group Managing Director of Netstar.”We’re excited to work with the Sunshine Tour to develop solutions that bring valuable insights to players. Together, we’re committed to building something that supports South African golf’s continued success on the world stage.”

The Sunshine Tour, which has launched the careers of champions such as Ernie Els, Gary Player, Retief Goosen and Louis Oosthuizen, sees this partnership as an important step toward embracing data-driven approaches in professional golf.

“South Africa is one of the most prolific producers of world-class golf talent. Technology is reshaping professional golf globally, and this partnership ensures our players continue to perform at the top of their game,” stated Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.

Sunshine Tour professional Dylan Frittelli, with top-five finishes at both The Masters and The Open Championship, welcomed the development: “Having competed internationally, I’ve seen first-hand how data analytics separates good players from champions. This technology will give emerging talent the tools to refine their games and compete confidently on the biggest stages. It’s exactly what South African golf needs.”

The partnership officially starts at the beginning of the 2026/27 season in May this year, with phased implementation across select Sunshine Tour events as the solution develops. Netstar will be running pilots of the solution at the Investec South African Open Championship and the Joburg Open in February and March respectively. Both organisations are committed to working together to further South African golf’s championship legacy through the combination of data, technology and talent.

About Netstar

Netstar, a subsidiary of Altron, is a leader in vehicle tracking, telematics, and fleet management solutions. With over three decades of experience in the industry, Netstar provides cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses and individuals to improve efficiency, enhance safety, and reduce risk on the road.

• Announcement of five-year extension of sponsorship of men’s and women’s national Opens

• Extended support for transformation and development pathways

Investec has significantly strengthened its commitment to South African golf with the extension of its comprehensive support of the men’s and women’s professional game as well as the development of the game. The extended partnership reinforces Investec’s long-term commitment to South African sport and the pathways that help local talent compete on the biggest international stages.

On the occasion of the 115^th Investec South African Open Championship at Stellenbosch Golf Club this week, Investec announced a further five-year extension of its title sponsorship of the Investec South African Open on the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour.

Further to this, Investec also announced another five-year extension of its patron support of the Papwa Sewgolum Class, the Sunshine Tour’s official transformation programme for previously disadvantaged golfers who seek to turn professional.

To this end, Investec has rewarded Karabo Mokoena, as the leading Papwa Sewgolum Class member, with an exemption in the Investec South African Open this week.

In women’s golf, Investec announced a five-year extension of its title support of the Investec South African Women’s Open on the Sunshine Ladies Tour and Ladies European Tour, including a further R1 million investment into the total prize fund for this championship.

The women’s game will also continue to benefit from the Investec Order of Merit on the Sunshine Ladies Tour and the R200 000 bonus for the season’s overall champion, and the R100 000 Investec Homegrown Award should the winner of the women’s national Open be a South African. These commitments are focused on building depth in the women’s game and creating more opportunities for South African players to progress.

It’s another significant investment in South African golf from a company that has been supporting the local game for over 14 years.

“We are deeply invested in South African golf, and we see this as a long-term commitment to the people and platforms that strengthen the game,” said Peta Dixon, Head of Sponsorships at Investec. “These championships are a stage where South African talent can be celebrated both at home and internationally, and tested against the best. We also want more young players to be able to see a route into the professional ranks, which is why the Papwa Sewgolum Class matters.”

The announcement comes during the most momentous week in South African golf, with the 115^th Investec South African Open welcoming a world-class field led by Patrick Reed and Ernie Els all chasing a Masters exemption for the winner and a place in the 154^th Open at Royal Birkdale for the top three finishers who are not exempt.

“We are extremely privileged to have Investec as such a loyal and passionate supporter of our game. Their support of both of our national men’s and women’s Open is a unique alignment of the greatness we see in the potential of South African golf. And it feeds seamlessly into their status as a patron of the Papwa Sewgolum Class and their proudly Homegrown vision of supporting local talent. We’re proud to have them as a partner, and this week’s 115^th Investec South African Open will be a fitting showcase of this wonderful partnership,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.

DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal – Oliver Bekker produced a magnificent final-round 67 to surge through the field and win the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open by two strokes at Durban Country Club on Sunday.

In a tournament shortened to 54 holes because of the weather, Bekker used all of his experience to close with a round of seven birdies and two bogeys for a winning total of 16 under par.

His nearest challenger was Sweden’s Christofer Blomstrand who finished second on  14 under par with a final round of 71.

It was a remarkable performance from Bekker, who recently moved to Australia as part of a plan to start slowing down his career. But the problem is, he cannot stop winning. This victory comes four months after he won on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

“It’s a little bit surreal. Since we moved to Australia I’ve been moving more furniture than playing golf. I missed the cut last week so came into this event with not too many expectations, and sometimes that’s when you play  your best golf,” said Bekker.

This is Bekker’s second victory on the HotelPlanner Tour amidst what is a rich vein of form for him.

“I’ve been working with somebody in Stellenbosch. It’s just small things, and not to fight what I want to do naturally. It’s paying dividends. I’ve been playing well lately without changing too much. I’ve got a wealth of experience behind me now, which also helps.”

It was a thrilling final round as a few players made a run at the lead, including Spain’s Pablo Ereno who was right in contention before an eight on the par-four 17^th hole.

“I started slowly, but then started hitting a few quality shots. I thought if I could get to 17 under I’d have shot. As I walked off the 12^th green I saw that somebody was on 16 under, so the guys were going low early. I managed to make a few good putts. When I got to 18 I thought I needed to make birdie just to have a chance. I did that, and then I saw the scoreboard and 13 under was in second place. That’s when I knew I might have done it.”

It was an emotional victory as well, with Bekker’s wife staying up in Australia to watch him win and who he spoke to first on the phone. And with Bekker recently having lost a very close friend.

“It was nice to speak to my wife. And I lost a very close friend recently. It makes you realise just how short life is, and that moments like this are special.” – Michael Vlismas

DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal – An inordinate amount of rain overnight forced the third round of the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open to be abandoned after certain areas of the course were rendered unplayable at Durban Country Club on Saturday, and the tournament reduced to 54 holes.

They were unable to even start the third round as planned.

“We had over 100mm of rain. I received my first phone call from the club at just before 4am. Several holes were compromised,” said Gary Todd, Tournament Director of the Sunshine Tour.

“The club has been excellent in terms of their help and we have the pumps going to try and drain those holes. But it just couldn’t happen quickly enough for today unfortunately. The team at DCC will work through the night to try and make sure we can resume again on Sunday.”

The third and final round is scheduled to start at 6:20am.

Sweden’s Christofer Blomstrand and Spain’s Santiago Tarrio are currently tied for the lead through 36 holes on 13 under par, one stroke clear of England’s Alfie Plant. – Michael Vlismas

DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal – Sweden’s Christofer Blomstrand called it “a fantastic day” that left him shocked as he signed for a 61 to share the lead with Spain’s Santiago Tarrio heading into the weekend of the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open at Durban Country Club.

Blomstrand was almost lost for words as he reflected on a magical round of golf that has him tied for the lead with Tarrio – who signed for a 64 – on 13 under par, one stroke clear of England’s Alfie Plant.

“Everything just felt so great. I hit some great shots. I also had some chances where I hit pins and spun back to miss birdies. It was a fantastic day. I’m still quite shocked,” he said.

On an intensely hot and humid day, Blomstrand turned up the heat even further with his golf.

He was five under through his first nine holes, and then played his next nine in six under, closing with three straight birdies.

“After the first nine I thought I’m just going to keep doing the same thing and see where it ends up. Then I shot six under the last nine holes. I was thinking about 59 at one stage. I still had to focus on every shot because it is a tough course. If you relax on one shot you can be in trouble. I’m actually quite tired at the moment.”

Tarrio set the clubhouse target in the morning and was equally pleased with his performance.

“I didn’t make mistakes, which I’m pleased about. I just tried to focus on my own game. I had a bit of a foot injury last week, but this week it felt better so I could make better swings out there. I’ve been playing well the last three weeks. I love this course and I love Durban. It’s my first time in this city. So I’ll just keep trying my best on the weekend,” he said.

It was another day of incredible scoring, with South Africa’s Keenan Davidse climbing to 11 under par with a 63 that included a 28 on the back nine of Durban Country Club, which played as his first nine.

“I joked with my caddie that I’ve never even shot that in a social round of golf. I always hit the ball the same. The difference comes with my putting. When I putt like I did today, then it all comes together,” he said.

It was the perfect round for Davidse as he heads into the weekend two shots off the lead and with some extra motivation.

“I found out the night before that my little boy has to go for an eye operation, and I used that as my motivation today. It’s also my eldest’s ninth birthday on Saturday. So I definitely get motivation in playing for my kids.” – Michael Vlismas