Author: 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

American Ryder Cup star and 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed will make his debut in the Joburg Open at Houghton Golf Club from 5-8 March as he looks to make a piece of DP World Tour history in South Africa.

Reed has confirmed his place in a strong field for the 18^th edition of this Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour co-sanctioned tournament.

The current world number 18 heads to Johannesburg as the leader on the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai and also hoping to wrap up a victory on the International Swing, with the Joburg Open the last tournament on this Global Swing.

Should he achieve this, he will become the first American winner of the International Swing since its inception in 2024.

“The Sunshine Tour has been so supportive for my first trip to South Africa. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in person and teeing it up against the guys in the 2026 Joburg Open. I’ve heard great things about the Houghton Golf Club course, and I know it will be an exciting tournament start to finish,” said Reed.

Reed has already won two of the seven tournaments on the International Swing, and finished tied second in another, and is chasing the $200 000 bonus for the winner of the International Swing as well as exemption into all of the DP World Tour’s exclusive Back 9 Tournaments later this season.

Joining Reed will be South Africa’s Jayden Schaper, a back-to-back winner on the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour at the end of last year in the Alfred Dunhill Championship and AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, and England’s Andy Sullivan, a former Joburg Open champion.

With the trio of Reed, Schaper and Sullivan, the 2026 Joburg Open will feature the top three players on the current Race to Dubai rankings.

The field also includes a host of former Joburg Open winners in defending champion Callum Hill, as well as Thriston Lawrence, Dan Bradbury, Andy Sullivan, Richard Sterne, Shubhankar Sharma and Darren Fichardt.

South Africa’s Shaun Norris and Jacques Kruyswijk, who finished runner-up in the playoff with Hill last year, are also headed to Johannesburg in March.

It all makes for one of the strongest fields in recent Joburg Open history.

“The Joburg Open is more than a golf tournament. It’s a statement of confidence in our city’s infrastructure, our people, and our ability to welcome the world while unlocking economic opportunities and showcasing Johannesburg as a global city of choice,” said the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Dada Morero. – Michael Vlismas Media

DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal – Spain’s Pablo Ereno carded his lowest tournament round of 10-under-par 62 to lead the first round of the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open by a single stroke at Durban Country Club on Thursday.

Ereno opened with two consecutive birdies and then produced a run of six birdies and an eagle in eight holes over the turn as the foundation of his round. It’s given him another shot at a victory on the Sunshine Tour and HotelPlanner Tour after coming close with a fourth-place finish in Cape Town two weeks ago.

“The round started pretty hot with a couple of birdies in the first two holes. The conditions were great this morning. My ball striking was really good and my distance control with my irons and wedges was good so I created a lot of birdie chances. I’m really happy. I got to 10 under after the 14^th and then bogeyed 16. But I’m really happy and in a good position for the rest of the week,” he said.

His nearest challenger is South Africa’s Kieron van Wyk, whose 63 included a chip-in for eagle on the driveable par-four 18^th.

It was a low-scoring opening day, with Australia’s Austin Batista signing for an eight-under-par 64, and Peru’s Julian Perico bouncing back from a bogey and double bogey in his first three holes and playing his next 15 holes in 10 under par for a 65 to end the first day on seven under overall.

Ereno has made a very fast start to his season in South Africa with finishes of 22^nd in the SDC Open and then fourth in the CIRCA Cape Town Open.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I’ve been practising really hard and my game’s in a good spot at the moment. It’s been great in South Africa. The weather’s awesome and the courses have been great,” he said.

The Spaniard took full advantage of a beautifully calm morning at Durban Country Club, which is in exceptional condition for this tournament.

“I’m just really happy with how I played. If the wind does come I’ll be ready for it. But I loved this golf course from the moment I first saw it this week. I love this type of course.”

Van Wyk was equally pleased with his round.

“I played really well. I only missed one green so hit the ball really nicely, and then I rolled in a couple of 30-foot putts. I always play well on golf courses where you have to position yourself and think your way around. It plays to my short-game strengths,” he said. – Michael Vlismas

The Sunshine Tour’s most widespread gathering of winners from across the South African game – the Waterfall City Tournament of Champions, supported by Attacq and WCMC – is building to yet another impressive tournament when this showpiece event tees off at Royal Johannesburg’s famed East Course next season.

The 4-7 June 2026 tournament is positioned as a premium platform that recognises achievement, advances inclusivity, and supports the development of sport in South Africa as a catalyst for social and economic development.

Willie Vos, CEO of Waterfall City Management Company (WCMC), said: “We are very proud to be associated with the Sunshine Tour for the third consecutive year, as our organisations share strong brand values. At Waterfall City, we are driven by passion, a commitment to excellence, and an innovative approach to everything we do, while always showing respect and care for the people we serve. These values are clearly reflected in the Sunshine Tour’s reputation for golf excellence, its progressive outlook, and its inclusive approach – particularly through its support of golfers with disabilities, which underscores a deep respect for the sport and its participants.”

Michael Clampett, Asset and Property Executive at Attacq, said the tournament reflects the company’s long-term vision for Waterfall City as more than a commercial destination. “Waterfall City was designed to be a place where business, lifestyle and community intersect. Supporting the Tournament of Champions allows us to invest in a platform that celebrates excellence while contributing to the growth and transformation of South African sport.”

The field for this tournament is one of the deepest and most comprehensive in terms of winners in the South African game as it includes, upon their availability:

• The winner of the 2025/26 Sunshine Tour Order of Merit delivered by the Courier Guy,
• The 2025/26 Fortress Rookie of the Year
• The leading Papwa Sewgolum Class player from the 2025/26 Sunshine Tour Order of Merit delivered by the Courier Guy not otherwise exempt
• The South African winners of international tournaments held outside of the borders of South Africa from 1 January 2025 until the Waterfall City Tournament of Champions, supported by Attacq and WCMC.
• The winner of the 2026 Sunshine Ladies Tour Investec Order of Merit
• The Sunshine Ladies Tour winners from 2026
• The winner of the 2025 Betway Big Easy Tour Order of Merit
• The winner of the 2026 Africa Amateur
• The leading amateur from the GolfRSA Order of Merit as nominated by GolfRSA
• The leading golfers within the South African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA)
• Five wild card entries

With a prize fund of R2.5 million, including R1 million for the winning professional, the tournament will feature comprehensive coverage on SuperSport Channel 213 Golf. Professionals and amateurs will compete over 72 holes of stroke play, with SADGA golfers contesting 36 holes of medal play.

This season’s road to the Waterfall City Tournament of Champions, supported by Attacq and WCMC on the Sunshine Tour alone included a thrilling start by Mexico’s Luis Carrera when he won the first two tournaments of the season back-to-back.

Michael Hollick claimed a win in a groundbreaking season for him which has seen him graduate to the DP World Tour.

Former DP World Tour champion Haydn Porteous found his way back into the winner’s circle for the first time in eight years.

Young star Casey Jarvis won twice in three weeks on the Sunshine Tour in November. And Jayden Schaper stunned world golf when he claimed back-to-back victories in Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour co-sanctioned events in December on his way to breaking into the top 50 on the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time in his career.

DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal – When South African professional Brandon Stone sat in the office of Nick Jonsson, the CEO of Jonsson Workwear, their biggest connection was not around their shared love of golf. It was around work.

Jonsson is a man who has dedicated his business to recognising and validating the purity of the working man and woman’s daily efforts to provide for their loved ones, and to designing the workwear that allows them to do that at their best. So when Stone sat in his office talking about work in golf, it piqued his interest.

“I said to Mr Jonsson, if you look at the history of golf, it started with workwear clothing. When golfers wore three-piece suits and ties on the course, they wore the long socks over their trousers purely because they needed to keep their trousers clean for work afterwards. Jonsson Workwear have launched their new golfers’ shirts, and while designed to play golf in, at the same time you can go to work in them because they look smart and respectable while being purpose-designed for work. Mr Jonsson looked at me, and it made sense for him,” Stone said as he walked the fairways of Durban Country Club in a practice round for this week’s R6-million Jonsson Workwear Durban Open on the Sunshine Tour and HotelPlanner Tour, which tees off on Thursday.

It’s why Stone now proudly wears the Jonsson Workwear brand. And it’s why he speaks so passionately about a deeper connection to work in his own life.

“I’m fortunate that my work takes place on a beautiful lush golf course. But everybody is fighting their own battles – whether that’s the man working on the Durban docks or the professional golfer trying to make par from the bush at Durban Country Club. Obviously there are different levels of struggle, but I’ve gone through my own struggles of losing my card on the DP World Tour and having to start from the beginning and earn my privilege to play again. I’ve done that.”

Stone has also always recognised the hard work of those around him, starting with his parents.

“This week, my mom is the CEO of Durban Country Club and my dad works with the Matkovich golf course maintenance group, and they’ve both been here at 4am every morning to make sure this tournament goes according to plan. That work ethic from them has been passed down to me. I’ve always felt I need to put in the work and earn the right to play out here. Hard work is the essence of the Stone name and I’m proud to carry that.”

While the connection between what Stone does as a professional golfer to what the man working on the Durban docks does may seem too far-fetched, the realities of life are the leveller between the two.

“A few years ago my mom had life-threatening health issues. It’s no secret that everybody out there is going through something. My mom’s started playing golf now. In December my brother was visiting and we played a round of golf as a family. My mom never thought she’d ever be able to play golf with her boys. That was a special moment for all of us.”

Work comes together in a beautiful way in the game this week.

The work Nick Jonsson has invested in reviving Durban Country Club to an even better version of its former glory, and personally overseeing the complete revamp of this golf course. The Sunshine Tour’s own vision that the work done on these fairways represents their belief that “GreatnessBeginsHere”. The work Stone is doing inside the ropes on these fairways, and the highs of lows of his journey in this game. And the red brand name on his golf shirt that connects it all under the banner of good works.

For Stone, it’s about doing the work this week. For himself. For his family.

For the man on the Durban docks, that’s something he understands as well. – Michael Vlismas