Category: Highlights

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25th January 2024

Potgieter is youngest winner in Korn Ferry Tour history

Aldrich Potgieter, 19, has become the youngest winner in Korn Ferry Tour history.

Potgieter etched his name into golf lore Wednesday at The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club, carding 10-under 278 for a two-stroke victory over Quade Cummins and Kyle Westmoreland.

Potgieter (19 years, 4 months, 11 days) surpasses Jason Day for the record as the Korn Ferry Tour’s youngest winner. The precocious South African also becomes the youngest winner on either the PGA TOUR or Korn Ferry Tour since Ralph Guldahl at the 1931 Santa Monica Open (19 years, 2 months, 3 days).

After 20-year-old Nick Dunlap’s victory at The American Express last week, the youth movement in professional golf is in full force.

Additionally, Potgieter is the fourth teenager to win on the Korn Ferry Tour, joining Day, Sungjae Im and Akshay Bhatia. The previous three are all PGA TOUR winners, with Day winning 13 TOUR titles, Im winning two TOUR events, and Bhatia capturing his first TOUR title at the 2023 Barracuda Championship while playing on Special Temporary Membership.

“I was just trying to make the cut… improve on the status. I didn’t expect this today,” Potgieter said. “I was looking at the leaderboard a couple times and just trying to move up, move up slowly and give myself some chances on the putting green. I felt really comfortable, gave myself those opportunities and holed some of them.

“We saw Nick Dunlap win last week, and that was a reminder that it can be done,” Potgieter said. “I’m just happy to be playing here and to get the opportunity to play here. To make history, that’s just another bonus on top of the win.”

Potgieter began the final round at 3-under par and five strokes behind 54-hole leader Kyle Westmoreland.

After birdies on three of the first four holes, Potgieter bounced back from a bogey at the par-4 seventh with an eagle at the par-5 eighth. A three-putt bogey at the par-3 10th would be Potgieter’s only stumble on the back nine, and he countered it with birdies at the par-4 12th and par-5 14th.

Having pulled even with Quade Cummins, the clubhouse leader at 8-under par who could only watch the leaderboard after he carded a 7-under 65 for the low round of the tournament, Potgieter birdied the par-4 16th for the outright lead. Potgieter closed out the victory and a final-round 7-under 65 with a birdie at the par-5 18th.

Windy conditions made scoring difficult for much of the week, as Potgieter’s winning total of 10-under 278 marked the second-highest winning score in the seven iterations of the event. Only Rafael Campos’ 7-under 281 en route to victory in 2019 was a higher winning total at The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club.

Potgieter turned professional last summer following a solo-64th finish at the 2023 U.S. Open. His amateur career included a breakthrough victory at the 2022 Amateur Championship, where, roughly three months before his 18th birthday, he became the second-youngest winner in the history of the storied event.

“I was playing really good golf from a young age, so I thought, from my view, college was like an extra four years of preparing to become professional,” Potgieter said. “I know they have great opportunities, great teams behind them, and you can see a lot of the players are coming from college teams are doing really good. That was an option, but I wanted to get the experience done and just make sure my game is good enough, and just grind it out… learn stuff these guys are going to have to learn now coming out of college.

“After winning (The Amateur), I had to make that decision, and I thought turning pro was a good one.”

Ironically, Potgieter made his professional debut at the Korn Ferry Tour’s Compliance Solutions Championship, finishing T35 as a sponsor exemption a week after his final start as an amateur at the U.S. Open. A week later, Potgieter made his first PGA TOUR start as a professional at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, which he played via a sponsor exemption. Three weeks later, Potgieter Monday qualified for the Korn Ferry Tour’s NV5 Invitational presented by Old National Bank.

Potgieter’s made cut at the U.S. Open also granted him an exemption to Second Stage of 2023 PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry. Playing at the Kinderlou Forest Golf Club site in Valdosta, Georgia, Potgieter won by four strokes, earning him guaranteed starts for the first eight events of the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour season.

Although Potgieter missed his first opportunity at a PGA TOUR card at Final Stage of PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry (he finished T81, and only the top five and ties earned TOUR membership), it may not be long before he earns a promotion to golf’s biggest stage.

“Now it’s just adapting to playing every week,” Potgieter said, before noting what he will focus on for the remainder of 2024 as a fully exempt member. “Just keeping the mind straight and moving forward every week, and just forgetting the bad stuff, and trying to move forward every day.” – Korn Ferry Tour (Image: Getty).

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6th October 2023

Father and son Springboks tackle the Alfred Dunhill Links together 

ST ANDREWS, Scotland – They’ve shared the rugby field as famous father and son Springboks, and this week South Africa’s Schalk Burger and his son Schalk Burger Jnr. are sharing the fairways as they play together in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship for the first time.

“It’s very special. We all love what golf stands for and has meant in our lives, and to see your kids grow up in the game and to now come to The Home of Golf and experience it together is just a privilege,” said dad Schalk, who is a veteran of 18 Alfred Dunhill Links Championships and who in 2007 finished third in the team event with his other son, Tiaan, as his caddie. 

But this marks the first time that Schalk Jnr., a Rugby World Cup winner with the Springboks as well as the IRB World Player of the Year in 2004 and now respected broadcaster, will play this tournament and the three links courses of the Old Course, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie. 

“It’s a complete bucket list item for me. When I received the invite there was no hesitation. Lucky for me the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup schedule and my commentary duties also worked out as they have a break now. But I’ve got quite big shoes to fill at this event because everyone I speak to says, ‘Your dad is an absolute legend here’,” said Schalk Jnr. 

“I actually think rugby and golf are similar in that it’s when you’re off the field or fairways and sharing stories that’s the most rewarding. If you ask me what was the most outstanding moment of my rugby career, it’s not about the trophies or World Cups I’ve won. It’s more about the friends I’ve made and the memories of special times together.” 

It’s an equally emotional moment for his father, who sat beside his son’s bedside while he was recovering from spinal meningitis and then saw him make his miraculous return to rugby and receive the Laureus Comeback of the Year Award in 2015. 

“Being alive is a privilege, and being alive in a place like this during this week even more so. Schalk and I have had wonderful memories on the golf course. From his first birdie using a cut-off two iron when he was only four years old to watching him as a young boy play golf with Ernie Els, to this week playing together here in St Andrews. I only have good memories.” 

And this week, they’ll make some more together. – Michael Vlismas

Photo Credits: Ian McIlgorm

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5th October 2023

Homa to tee it up at Nedbank Golf Challenge

World Number Seven Max Homa will bring further Ryder Cup quality to the Nedbank Golf Challenge when he makes his debut in ‘Africa’s Major’ from November 9-12.  

The American, who made his first appearance in golf’s greatest team contest at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club last week as he top-scored for the US Team with 3 ½ points, will join teammate Justin Thomas and English Ryder Cup duo Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose in what is already a strong field at Gary Player Country Club.  

The US$6,000,000 event is the penultimate tournament on the 2023 DP World Tour schedule, carrying an increased number of Race to Dubai Ranking Points as the 66-man field vies for a place in the season-ending DP World Tour Championship. 

There has been no American winner of the Nedbank Golf Challenge since Jim Furyk lifted the iconic trophy in Sun City, and the six-time PGA TOUR winner is excited to make his maiden appearance in South Africa.  

“I really enjoy playing golf in new places and experiencing countries I’ve never visited before, so I’m really excited to tee it up at the Nedbank Golf Challenge later this year,” he said.  

“I’m looking forward to getting a taste of South Africa and it’s really cool that my good friend JT is going to be playing as well. I’m sure we’ll have an awesome time and I can’t wait to get over there.

“Gary Player is a legend of our game so to be able to play in a tournament with his name associated is an honour. He has done so much for golf worldwide, but particularly in South Africa, so it’s nice to be able to go over there and give a little something back.” 

The Nedbank Golf Challenge has been a highlight of the South African sporting calendar since its first edition in 1981, with defending champion Tommy Fleetwood among a glittering list of winners including South African golfing icon Ernie Els – a three-time winner of the event – the legendary Seve Ballesteros, and Major Champions Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Sir Nick Faldo, Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman and Danny Willett. 

The 2023 Nedbank Golf Challenge will once again be included on the DP World Tour schedule in partnership with Nedbank and Sun International and will be the penultimate event before the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai. The winner of the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit will receive a place in the 66-player field at Gary Player Country Club. 

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2nd October 2023

Rozner to defend AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open title

Antoine Rozner has confirmed that he will defend his AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open title when this Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour co-sanctioned tournament is played at the spectacular new La Réserve Golf Links from 14-17 December.

The Frenchman said he was looking forward to returning to a tournament where he has an incredible record of a victory and runner-up finish in the last two editions.

“I can’t wait to return to Mauritius and try to defend my title. It was such an amazing week and was the perfect end to the year. I’m really excited to head back there in December,” Rozner said.

His 2022 triumph saw him win by a commanding five strokes at the Mont Choisy Le Golf course to claim the largest margin of victory in the tournament’s history.

It was Rozner’s third DP World Tour victory of his career and he will look to replicate that form as he seeks to become the first professional to successfully defend his AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open title.

Rozner said he is also looking forward to playing the new host course of La Réserve Golf Links, which was co-designed by Louis Oosthuizen and Peter Matkovich with a vision to be ranked in the top 100 golf courses of the world

“The course is incredible and Mauritius itself is such a fantastic place to visit, especially at that time of year,” said Rozner.

To purchase tickets for the tournament please go to https://www.ticketbox.mu/

The 2023 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open has once again drawn a glittering array of blue-chip sponsors, including AfrAsia Bank, Rogers Group, Rogers Hospitality, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, IBL, Beachcomber Resorts and Hotels, Heritage Villas Valriche, Phoenix Beverages, Jacobs Coffee, Pro Carts, Mautourco, KOHLER and Häagen Dazs.

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27th September 2023

SDC Group becomes new Sunshine Tour partner

The Sunshine Tour is proud to announce that the SDC Group is a new partner of the Tour with their significant support of South African professional golf.

The SDC Group currently sponsors two tournaments on the Sunshine Tour with a global impact – the SDC Open and the SDC Championship

The SDC Open, which made its debut on the Sunshine Tour in 2022, is co-sanctioned with the European Challenge Tour and plays a vital role in the pathway to greatness for South African professionals seeking to advance their careers internationally.

The SDC Championship, which made its debut in 2023, is co-sanctioned with the DP World Tour and adds significantly to the Sunshine Tour’s strong alliance with one of the major tours of world golf.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome the SDC Group to our family of Sunshine Tour partners. The SDC Group plays a vital role in investing in and upskilling South Africans through the important work it does. Similarly, the Sunshine Tour invests in the future of South African professional golf talent through our philosophy that ‘GreatnessBeginsHere’,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.

“In a very short space of time the SDC Group has made a tremendous impact on our Tour and offered our members even greater opportunities to advance their careers as we’ve been able to grow our tournament footprint on both the European Challenge Tour and DP World Tour.”

Daniel Gibhard, CEO of the SDC Group, said: “Our relationship with the Sunshine Tour echoes our desire to develop the skills of all South Africans and, in this instance, our country’s future professional golf stars. We know the value that a high level of training combined with opportunity can have.”

“As a partner to the Sunshine Tour we look forward to being able to keep making an impact and adding to the overall success of the Tour.”

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7th December 2022

A ticket to world-class golf at AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open

A field containing two current European Ryder Cup vice-captains, a former European Ryder Cup captain, multiple Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour winners, and a collection of professional golf’s exciting young stars is what a ticket to this year’s AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open will unlock for golf fans.

Ticket sales are in the final push with just over a week to go until the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour co-sanctioned showpiece tees off at Mont Choisy Le Golf from 15-18 December.

Nicolas Colsaerts and Thomas Bjørn will bring the Ryder Cup flavour to this year’s tournament as two of the vice-captains for the European team ahead of the 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy. Bjørn adds to the Ryder Cup influence in the field as the victorious European captain at the 2018 Ryder Cup and a three-time Ryder Cup competitor before this.

The field also contains rookie PGA Tour campaigners Thomas Detry and Dean Burmester, DP World Tour champions Brandon Stone and Antoine Rozner, Challenge Tour champions JC Ritchie and Nathan Kimsey, and a number of professionals such as Deon Gemishuys and Bryce Easton who have recently secured their DP World Tour cards and will be using this event to make a fast start to the new season.

The next generation of talent will also be on display in Casey Jarvis, Filippo Celli, Jayden Schaper, Tom McKibbin, Wilco Nienaber, and 2022 Amateur champion Aldrich Potgieter.

Further ticket details can be found here https://afrasiabankmauritiusopen.com/tournament/ and tickets to this DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour co-sanctioned tournament can be purchased at https://www.marideal.mu/afrasia-bank-mauritius-open-tournament.html.

The 2022 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open returns to the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour schedules for the first time since 2019 following the Covid-19 pandemic and has drawn a glittering array of blue-chip sponsors including Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, Mont Choisy Group, Jaguar, Rogers, Heritage Resorts, IBL, the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), 3G Mobile, Phoenix Beverages, Air Mauritius, Mautourco, Fenix XCell Apparel, Hertz, Jacobs, C-Care, Emtel, PRO CARTS, IT Solvz, Häagen-Dazs and Dragon Electronics.

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28th November 2022

Momentum to keep Sunshine Tour golfers in good health

The Sunshine Tour and Momentum Health Solutions have partnered to provide the leading top 50 golfers with medical aid coverage and a range of other wellness benefits suited to professional athletes.

The initial two-year sponsorship deal will see those professionals who ended in the top 50 on the final Order of Merit in May 2022 receiving cover for the 2023 calendar year. Those players who finish in the top 50 by the end of May 2023 will then receive the same for the 2024 calendar year.

Beyond the traditional private medical aid offering, the additional benefits for the leading Sunshine Tour professionals will be access to Momentum’s Multiply wellness programme and HealthSaver account which provides for the opportunity to save for additional day-to-day medical expenses.

“This partnership with Momentum Medical Scheme and Momentum Health Solutions is critical in light of the consistent pressure our players are under to protect their health,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.

“Not only is it important for them to look after their physical health but also to ensure that their wider wellness is being taken care of by removing the cost of medical aid cover and providing them access to a range of health support services unique to their individual needs.”

Commenting on the sponsorship, Damian McHugh, CMO at Momentum Health Solutions, said, “We are aware that for sports men and women their health is their most valuable asset, and as such we are happy to provide support to them where it matters most. As a company we have demonstrated our commitment to a variety of sports in South Africa, creating opportunities for players to place their health and wellness first.”

Photo: Damian McHugh, CMO at Momentum Health Solutions (left) and Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour, celebrate the partnership that will bring a new level of wellness to the Tour’s leading professionals.

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18th October 2022

Lawrence back to defend Joburg Open title

South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence has confirmed he will defend his Joburg Open title as this international Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour co-sanctioned tournament moves to its new home at Houghton Golf Club from November 24-27, 2022.

Lawrence returns to a tournament where he made Joburg Open and South African golf history last year by becoming the first winner in the new era of the DP World Tour.

The young South African professional has been a perfect example of the Joburg Open’s status as a tournament that opens international doors for its winners.

The victory provided the platform for Lawrence to take his career to the next level as his win also earned him an exemption into his first Major, the historic 150thplaying of The Open Championship in St Andrews this year where he finished tied 42nd. Lawrence also added a second DP World Tour title when he won the Omega European Masters in August this year.

“The Joburg Open is very special to me because it opened so many doors for my career,” said Lawrence.

“It was my first DP World Tour title. It also earned me a place in my first Major, which was a lifelong dream come true for me. To play your first ever Major on the Old Course in St Andrews is an unbelievable dream come true. And then I was able to build on that Joburg Open win and claim my second DP World Tour title this year and secure my place on the Tour,” he explained.

“It changed everything for me. It was the first stepping stone to get to my bigger dreams. From a young age I’ve always wanted to win on the DP World Tour, so I’m extremely grateful for what the Joburg Open has meant to my career and I’m delighted to be able to come back and support the event as the defending champion, “he concluded.

The Joburg Open will once again tee off the DP World Tour’s new season in this world-class African city, and with Houghton Golf Club joining an array of Johannesburg’s finest golf courses to have hosted this tournament.

“We cannot wait to welcome the eyes of the golf world on the City of Johannesburg and we are extremely proud to be the host for the start of the DP World Tour’s new season. The Joburg Open is a perfect representation of the world-class spirit of Johannesburg and its people, and we are excited to once again host some of the finest golfers in the world,” said Executive Mayor, Cllr. Dada Morero.

Tickets for the Joburg Open are available at https://sunshinetour.com/ with the prices ranging from R100 for the Thursday and Friday and R200 for the Saturday and Sunday, or daily access for all four days at R300. There is 50% early bird discount on ticket prices if purchased before the end of October.

“We have a compelling value offering for golf fans at this year’s Joburg Open as we bring together a new host course in Houghton Golf Club and a world-class field of Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour professionals. We are grateful for all the support the City of Johannesburg provides as we take this incredible city and this amazing tournament to worldwide audience,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.

Photo: The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr. Dada Morero, and Sunshine Tour Commissioner Thomas Abt announcing the new home of the Joburg Open at Houghton Golf Club.

 

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17th October 2022

Mont Choisy Le Golf set to impress as host of 2022 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open

The spectacular Mont Choisy Le Golf will make its international tournament debut on the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour schedules when it hosts the 2022 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open for the first time during 15-18 December, and golf course designer Peter Matkovich is excited about a course he says will present a fair and exciting challenge for the world’s professionals.

“I think our team did an incredible job in creating a golf course that we love, and which the members and owners are also very happy with. It looks very natural and we’ve used the black volcanic rock that is a feature in the north of the island to create this beautiful contrast with the green grass,” Matkovich said of the only 18-hole championship course in the northern region of Mauritius.

Matkovich’s love for this golf course began almost 16 years ago when he first walked the magnificent Allée des Flamboyants walkway which leads to the Mont Choisy Golf and Beach Estate and envisioned a golf course there.

“It was a special place for me in Mauritius. It was a challenge designing and building the golf course to get the right balance with the volcanic rock, and to also conserve the topsoil and water of the area which is very scarce. The shaping team did an incredible job, and the landscaping team has also ensured that the golf course blends superbly with its environment. My philosophy is to bring golf back into golf course design and we achieved that here with a golf course that places as much emphasis on strategy as it does on the experience.”

Jyoti Jeetun, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Mont Choisy Group, believes Mont Choisy Le Golf will make a tremendous impact as the home of the 2022 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.

“Peter and his team at Peter Matkovich Design have done a wonderful job in creating a course that is a visual splendour as well as a delight to play, for both our members and the professionals. Set between the iconic town of Grand Baie and Mon Choisy Beach, it is going to be a privilege for us to showcase this magnificent course to an international audience and the way it complements the ‘Once in a Lifestyle’ proposition the beautiful Mont Choisy Golf and Beach Estate has to offer.”

As a challenge for the professionals, Matkovich and his team have created a golf course that is not overly long at 6 447 metres and with a blend of tough holes offset by some exciting driveable par fours.

“I think in December at the time of the tournament the golf course should play hard and fast, which is what we’d like. I do believe we’ll see good scores from the professionals.”

The 2022 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open returns to the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour schedules for the first time since 2019 following the Covid-19 pandemic and has drawn a glittering array of blue-chip sponsors including Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, Mont Choisy Group, Jaguar, Rogers, Heritage Resorts, IBL, the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), 3G Mobile, Phoenix Beverages, Air Mauritius, Mautourco, Fenix Apparel and Hertz.

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12th October 2022

SA stars back and chasing glory in Investec South African Open Championship

South African golf’s biggest stars will be back on local fairways this December as they unite in their quest for Investec South African Open glory and the chance to claim what they’ve called “our fifth Major”.

Charl Schwartzel, Dean Burmester, Dylan Frittelli, MJ Daffue, Brandon Stone, Erik van Rooyen, Thriston Lawrence, Oliver Bekker, Shaun Norris and defending champion Daniel van Tonder have all confirmed their participation in the second oldest national Open in golf at the Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate from 1-4 December.

“I can’t wait to get there and compete in such an iconic event and try I put my name on that trophy alongside the greats like Ernie Els and Gary Player and so many others. For us as South Africans it’s our fifth Major and we all want to win it so badly. For me personally, I’ve won the South African PGA Championship, so to get my name on the Investec South African Open trophy as well and have done the double would be very special,” said PGA Tour campaigner Dean Burmester.

Fellow PGA Tour star Dylan Frittelli said he’s returning to challenge for a title he feels is essential to his career.

“The Investec South African Open is the biggest tournament in the world for me right now besides a Major. It means so much to me. It was the first professional tournament I ever played. I qualified when I was 16 years old. I definitely want to win my national Open before my playing career is over. I think my career will be incomplete if I don’t do that.”

DP World Tour campaigner Oliver Bekker said he is back to try and go one better than his runner-up finish to Daniel van Tonder in last year’s Investec South African Open.

“It’s our home Open and I would really like to have my name on that trophy with the likes of Ernie Els and Gary Player and all of the South African golf legends. After coming so close last year I’m really looking forward to playing well on home soil and hopefully to have a chance of lifting that trophy.”

Shaun Norris said he’s particularly excited about competing on home fairways again.

“It’s always great to play back home, and so much more in your national Open. It’s every golfer’s dream to win his national Open. It will mean the world to me to add my name to that trophy with all of the great players who’ve done it before.”

Thriston Lawrence is also returning home to compete in a championship he’s been watching since he was a young golfer.

“I can’t wait for this year’s Investec South African Open. What an historic event. It’s a tournament I’ll always support because I grew up watching it on TV and have always wanted to win it, especially with all the names on that trophy and the history behind it. I’d obviously love to win it and will give it my all.”

The Sunshine Tour this week launched its ticketing package for this prestigious Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour co-sanctioned tournament aimed at maximising value and the overall experience.

Ticket prices range from R150 for the Thursday or Friday to R300 for the Saturday or Sunday, with a 50% discount if purchased before the end of October. Tickets can be purchased at www.sunshinetour.com.

The world-class action inside the ropes will be matched by a festival of golf for the whole family at this year’s tournament.

The festivities will include a big screen in the tournament village for sports fans to be able to keep up with the latest FIFA World Cup action. There will also be a Golf Expo Centre featuring the very latest in golf equipment. Fans will be able to have their photo taken with the iconic Investec South African Open trophy, and the youngest golf fans will have their own dedicated kid’s area to keep them entertained. The tournament village will include a food and drinks market as well as a Stella Artois beer garden. And a Saturday afternoon music concert will provide the perfect way to relax after the third-round action and prepare for an epic final round.

It will also be more than just the professionals who will have the chance to win big at Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate.

From the Thursday to the Saturday of the world’s second oldest national Open, three lucky fans will be selected to prove they have the nerves of steel of the professionals and will win the chance to putt for R10 000 on the 18th green after play. On the Sunday of the final round, three fans will have the chance to also putt for glory, but for R100 000.

It’s the biggest week in South African golf, and it’s live on the Sunshine Tour.