Category: Homepage News

The Sunshine Tour has reaffirmed its status as a tour of global opportunity with the announcement of the remainder of its 2025-26 schedule, including four DP World Tour
co-sanctioned events, four HotelPlanner Tour co-sanctioned events, the second edition
of the prestigious Courier Guy Playoffs, and the added incentives of an invitation
to The Masters as well as qualification opportunities for The Open.

The current season will reach its peak from December 2025 to March 2026, beginning with two DP World Tour co-sanctioned events in the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Royal Johannesburg Golf Club from 11-14 December followed by the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at La Réserve Golf Links, Heritage Resorts, from 18-21 December.
 
The new year will tee off with a new tournament, the R2.5 million Cell C Challenge at Killarney Country Club from 22-25 January 2026.
 
This will be followed by the four HotelPlanner Tour co-sanctioned tournaments, including the US$375 000 SDC Open at Zebula Golf Estate and Spa from 29 January to 1 February, the US$375 000 CIRCA Cape Town Open at Royal Cape Golf Club from 5-8 February, the
R7 million NTT DATA Pro-Am in partnership with Standard Bank at Fancourt from
12-15 February, and the US$ 375 000 Jonsson Workwear Open at Durban Country Club from 19-22 February.
 
The DP World Tour then brings its International Swing to South African fairways with the
US$1.5 million Investec South African Open at Stellenbosch Golf Club from 26 February to 1 March, followed by the R20.5 million Joburg Open at Houghton Golf Club from 5-8 March.
 
Both of these tournaments offer historic new incentives for the professionals.
 
For the first time in Sunshine Tour history, the winner of the Investec South African Open will receive an invitation to the 2026 Masters. The Investec South African Open is also expected to once again form part of The Open Qualifying Series (OQS) for The 154^th Open at Royal Birkdale.
 
The Joburg Open will then play a key role in determining the top 72 players on the Sunshine Tour’s Courier Guy Order of Merit who will qualify for The Courier Guy Playoffs at the end of the season.
 
The two-event Courier Guy Playoffs begins with a new R2.5 million tournament (still to be announced) from 12-15 March in Gauteng, followed by the R3 million DNi Tour Championship presented by RMB at De Zalze from 26-29 March.
 
At the end of The Courier Guy Playoffs, the number one-ranked player on the final Courier Guy Order of Merit will receive a R500 000 cash bonus, a DP World Tour card for the following season, an exemption into the Nedbank Golf Challenge, and possible qualification routes via the Federation Ranking on the Official World Golf Ranking to The Open Championship and US PGA Championship.
 
The second and third place finishers on the Courier Guy Order of Merit will be fully exempt into all of the following season’s HotelPlanner Tour events and will also receive cash bonuses of R200 000 and R100 000 respectively.
 
“We are extremely excited about the rest of our season. The 2025-26 season on the Sunshine Tour is a powerful statement of our tour’s ability to provide a consistent and sustainable pathway to greatness throughout the year. We are recognised globally by the next generation of professionals as a true tour of opportunity which can open doors into some of the biggest and most prestigious tournaments in our game. We can do this because we have, over decades, proven ourselves as a reliable and valued partner through our longstanding Strategic Alliance with the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, and with the support of our loyal partners and sponsors,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.
 

SUNSHINE TOUR 2025-26 SCHEDULE
 

• Alfred Dunhill Championship | Royal Johannesburg Golf Club | 11-14 December
• AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open | La Réserve Golf Links, Heritage Resorts | 18-21 December
• Cell C Challenge | Killarney Country Club | 22-25 January 2026
• SDC Open | Zebula Golf Estate and Spa | 29 January to 1 February
• CIRCA Cape Town Open | Royal Cape Golf Club | 5-8 February
• NTT DATA Pro-Am in partnership with Standard Bank | Fancourt | 12-15 February
• Jonsson Workwear Open | Durban Country Club | 19-22 February
• Investec South African Open | Stellenbosch Golf Club | 26 February to 1 March
• Joburg Open | Houghton Golf Club | 5-8 March
  
  Courier Guy Playoffs:
• Courier Guy Playoffs tournament | 12-15 March | Gauteng
• DNi Tour Championship presented by RMB | De Zalze | 26-29 March

• DP World Tour winners Thriston Lawrence and Dylan Naidoo set for Sun City
• Nedbank Golf Challenge HospitaliTEE Lounge offers enhanced VIP fan experience.
• Tickets and hospitality now on sale HERE.

DP World Tour champions Thriston Lawrence and Dylan Naidoo will join an already strong South African contingent for this year’s Nedbank Golf Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club from 4-7 December, 2025.

The duo adds to a South African challenge that includes PGA TOUR winner Aldrich Potgieter, multiple DP World Tour champion Christiaan Bezuidenhout, and Sunshine Tour Courier Guy Order of Merit champion Daniel van Tonder.

With Lawrence, Potgieter and Bezuidenhout in the field, this year’s Nedbank Golf Challenge currently has South Africa’s top three golfers within the top 75 on the Official World Golf Ranking in action at the Gary Player Country Club.

The 28-year-old Lawrence will return to Sun City this December having recently claimed the fifth DP World Tour victory of his career.

This will be Lawrence’s fourth appearance in the Nedbank Golf Challenge. He finished inside the top 15 in two of his last three appearances, and on his debut in 2022 he was one shot off the lead going into the final round before finishing tied 13^th.

“This tournament is very special to me and I’m really looking forward to playing in front of our home fans and joining my fellow South Africans in hopefully claiming a home victory,” said Lawrence.

Naidoo will make his debut in the Nedbank Golf Challenge as the reigning Investec South African Open champion. The 27-year-old broke through with his maiden DP World Tour victory in his national Open in March this year, and is looking forward to taking his place in this illustrious field.

“Winning my national Open was a life-changing moment for me and it’s opened up so many doors, one of which is a place in the Nedbank Golf Challenge. As a young South African golfer, you grow up dreaming of winning your national Open, and then playing in and hopefully one day winning the Nedbank Golf Challenge. I can’t wait to experience a tournament that has been such a big part of South African golf history,” said Naidoo.

This year’s Nedbank Golf Challenge will once again feature the popular Hospitali-TEE Lounge, offering an unrivalled viewing experience for fans.

The Hospitali-TEE Lounge offers access to the day’s golf, an unlimited premium bar and buffet, a Nedbank Golf Challenge merchandise voucher, a seat on the VIP grandstand at the 18^th green, a photo opportunity with the trophy, live entertainment, daily prizes and a player autograph opportunity.

This enhanced fan experience is centrally located close to the public village, with an air-conditioned facility that brings the best of the Nedbank Golf Challenge to the comfort of the Lounge with indoor and outdoor seating and a live TV feed of the golf.

Wild Coast (Eastern Cape) – Austin Bautista’s brilliant 62 during Friday’s final round of the Sunbet Challenge hosted by Wild Coast Sun secured the Australian his first title on the Sunshine Tour with a one-stroke victory on 14 under par.

“I am ecstatic and super happy to have won this week. It was a hard week but securing the title was definitely worth the wait,” said Bautista.

He even managed to win despite drawing the short straw with his roommates this week.

“The boys I’m staying with gave me the worst bed, actually they put me on the couch. But I walked away with the silverware, so it was worth it in the end,” Bautista joked.

Bautista’s form improved as the tournament progressed. He followed up his first round 69 with a second round score of 65. Heading into the final round only three shots behind the overall leader, Bautista opened his final round with five birdies in the first eight holes, followed by four more on the back nine. He dropped only one shot during his round.

“The Sunshine Tour is a great tour. We get to come to amazing places. The Wild Coast Sun is a beautiful layout – it’s so challenging.”

Bautista has been threatening a win this year, with two top-three finishes as well as an eigth-place finish leading up to this week.

Michael Hollick (66), who started the day with a one-stroke lead, finished second on 13 under par.

Samuel Simpson (66), the winner of the Mopani Zambia Open in June, shared third place with Lyle Rowe (67) on 10 under par. – Michael Vlismas Media

Wild Coast (Eastern Cape) – Michael Hollick carded a five-under-par 65 during Thursday’s second round of the Sunbet Challenge hosted by Wild Coast Sun, to take a one stroke lead on nine under par. 

“It was another good day on the golf course. Yesterday was a really good round considering the tough conditions we had since early morning. It really was a tough day’s play,” said Hollick.

The winner of last month’s FNB Eswatini Challenge had a good start to his round, rolling in four birdies on the front nine, and dropping only one shot on the par four second hole. He followed this up with three birdies and a bogey on the back nine.

“Today I was able to manage my game and hit the ball into good places. I am putting nicely this week, but had two unfortunate bogeys where I overshot the greens, which are very quick downhill. Being over the green is not what you are looking for,” Hollick added.

Hollick is in good form having already claimed two Sunshine Tour titles this year.

“Tomorrow we will play the same game, tactically nothing will change. Hopefully it will be good enough to win the tournament.”

Jacques P de Villiers (69) and England’s Joe Knox (69) – who were tied for the lead after the first round – both had to settle for a round of one under par, one shot behind the leader on eight under par.

Albert Venter (68) and Lyle Rowe (65) are a further shot adrift on seven under par. – Michael Vlismas Media

• Nedbank Golf Challenge elevates Hospitali-TEE Lounge VIP fan experience.
• Fans will meet players, pose with the Nedbank Golf Challenge trophy, get exclusive merchandise vouchers, and more.
• Tickets and hospitality now on sale HERE.

The Nedbank Golf Challenge has significantly elevated its fan experience for the 2025 showpiece event at Sun City’s Gary Player Country Club from 4-7 December, with a Hospitali-TEE Lounge offering that is a first-of-its-kind in the history of “Africa’s Major”.
 
This year’s Hospitali-TEE Lounge fans will get exclusive 18^thgrandstand access as well as player autograph opportunities, a photo opportunity with the Nedbank Golf Challenge trophy at the Hospitali-TEE Lounge facility, a voucher to the value of R500 per Hospitali-TEE Lounge ticket purchased for official Nedbank Golf Challenge merchandise at The Pro Shop at Sun City, and a range of other enhancements to this popular concept.
 
The Hospitali-TEE Lounge made a spectacular debut at the 2024 Nedbank Golf Challenge with its location right in the heart of The Stretch alongside the Public Village, and giving the golf fan who wants an elevated day experience access to a VIP facility with multiple benefits.
 
Building on this already successful concept, this year’s Hospitali-TEE Lounge has combined the standard and premium packages of last year into a new superior package offering an unrivalled Nedbank Golf Challenge experience.
 
This year’s Hospitali-TEE Lounge package includes:
 

• Access to the day’s golf
• Access to the Hospitali-TEE Lounge in an air-conditioned facility with indoor and outdoor seating and a live TV feed of the golf
• Exclusive access to the VIP Grandstand at the 18^th hole
• A premium buffet with an upgraded menu
• An all-day coffee station with speciality coffees such as flavoured lattes and ice coffee
• An all-day and unlimited premium bar with an upgraded offering of five-star brands
• Daily prizes
• A player autograph opportunity
• An exclusive photo opportunity with the Nedbank Golf Challenge trophy at the facility
• A voucher to the value of R500 per Hospitali-TEE Lounge ticket purchased for official Nedbank Golf Challenge merchandise at The Pro Shop at Sun City OR A limited edition VVIP packaged 750ml Boschendal Nicholas red wine

 
The Hospitali-TEE Lounge will be open daily from 07:30 to 18:00, with the following dining times:
 

• Breakfast: 08:00 – 11:00
• Lunch: 12:00 – 15:00
• Snacks: 15:30 – 17:00

 
The 2025 Hospitali-TEE Lounge will break every hospitality record in the illustrious history of “Africa’s Major” as golf fans are given a once-in-a-lifetime experience of this premier DP World Tour event.

Wild Coast (Eastern Cape) – South Africa’s Jacques P de Villiers tamed a windy Wild Coast Sun Country Club with a sublime 63 to share lead with England’s Joe Knox in Wednesday’s first round of the Sunbet Challenge hosted by Wild Coast Sun.

“Today was really good. I hit the ball nicely with good control. The conditions were, however, really tough,” De Villiers said.

De Villiers started his round on the 10^th hole and, as is often the case at the Wild Coast Sun, was playing straight into the teeth of the wind early on.

“I started my round with the wind blowing a lot. Holes 11, 12, 13 and 14 play into the wind and they are very tough. I got through those at one under par and used my chances from there on. It wasn’t a very spectacular round but I did make eight birdies and putted well, which helped a lot,” he said.

De Villiers is still looking for a maiden Sunshine Tour title, but doesn’t want to get too far ahead of himself.

“I am really looking forward to the following two rounds, but there is still a lot of golf left. I have to keep my head up an be patient because that is what this course demands. Hopefully some putts can fall and good things can happen.”

Albert Venter (65) is two strokes further back and the leaders’ nearest challenger on five under par, followed by Michael Hollick (66) and Samuel Simpson (66) on four under par.

Jonathan Broomhead, the winner of last month’s Sunbet Challenge hosted by Time Square at Wingate Park Country Club, had to settle for a level-par opening round of 70. – Michael Vlismas Media

• Aldrich Potgieter and Christiaan Bezuidenhout strengthen SA challenge

• Nedbank Golf Challenge Hospitali-TEE Lounge offers enhanced VIP fan experience.

• Hospitali-TEE tickets now on sale HERE.

South African golf sensation Aldrich Potgieter will return to the Nedbank Golf Challenge a year after almost winning it on his debut when he joins the 2025 field for this DP World Tour event at Sun City from 4-7 December.

He’ll be joined by multiple DP World Tour champion Christiaan Bezuidenhout, who returns to a Gary Player Country Club course where he won the 2020 South African Open.

The 20-year-old Potgieter was given a personal invitation by Gary Player, in whose honour the tournament is played, to compete in the 2024 Nedbank Golf Challenge and led by three strokes going into the final round before finishing tied second to Johannes Veerman.

This year he returns to the Gary Player Country Club as the youngest South African winner in PGA TOUR history following his maiden win in the Rocket Classic in June, and as the highest ranked South African golfer on the Official World Golf Ranking just outside the top 50.

“My first experience of the Nedbank Golf Challenge last year was so memorable. I’ll never forget the crowds on the Saturday when I was leading, and the amazing support from the South African fans. To walk onto that first tee box and hear the cheers, and then to have Gary Player sitting there as well are some of my fondest golf memories. I can’t wait to get back to Sun City and experience it all again,” said Potgieter.

It’s been a meteoric rise for Potgieter, who only two years ago was still one of the top amateurs in the game. After turning professional he became the youngest ever winner in Korn Ferry Tour history at the age of 19 years, four months and 11 days in 2024, and then made his PGA TOUR breakthrough this year.

The young South African, who has stunned world golf with his prodigious length of the tee, joins defending champion Veerman and fellow South African Daniel van Tonder, who qualified by virtue of his victory in last season’s Sunshine Tour Courier Guy Order of Merit, as amongst the early stars confirmed for “Africa’s Major”.

Bezuidenhout makes his fourth appearance in a tournament where he has a strong record, having finished tied fifth in 2022 and tied sixth in 2024.

This year’s Nedbank Golf Challenge will once again feature the popular Hospitali-TEE Lounge, offering an unrivalled viewing experience for fans.

The Hospitali-TEE Lounge offers access to the day’s golf, an unlimited premium bar and buffet, a Nedbank Golf Challenge merchandise voucher, a seat on the VIP grandstand at the 18^th green, a photo opportunity with the trophy, live entertainment, daily prizes and a player autograph opportunity.

This enhanced fan experience is centrally located close to the public village, with an air-conditioned facility that brings the best of the Nedbank Golf Challenge to the comfort of the Lounge with indoor and outdoor seating and a live TV feed of the golf.

• 2024 tournament generated $4.2 million in net economic impact for Mauritius

• Globally awarded La Réserve Golf Links set to host Golf’s Most Beautiful Week

• Tickets available at an Early Bird special of 15% discount until 30 September 2025 at https://www.ticketbox.mu/event/abmo-2025 and using the code ‘GOLF15’

In less than a decade, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open has established itself as one of the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour’s most impressive success stories and which last year delivered a tournament record net economic impact for Mauritius.

An independent economic analysis conducted by MKA Economics revealed that the 2024 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open generated $4.2 million in net economic impact for the Mauritian economy – the highest in the history of a tournament that was launched in 2015.

“Our vision from the beginning was always that the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open becomes a vehicle through which we can boost the economic activity in Mauritius and drive even greater investment into our economy while also supporting the broader tourism objectives by generating global awareness of the country. With The Access Bank UK Ltd as our new majority shareholder, we are confident of ensuring both continuity and new synergies, and therefore, we are delighted to be pursuing this prestigious golf title sponsorship together under this strengthened partnership,” said Thierry Vallet, Chief Executive Officer of AfrAsia Bank.

“The economic impact study of the most recent AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open is a clear indication that we’ve not only met these goals but in many cases exceeded them. Apart from the direct economic impact for the economy, last year’s tournament created over 50 tourism-related jobs, which shows how this tournament is having a direct impact in the community. Last year’s tournament also produced the highest sponsorship return in its history, which is further evidence of the clear value the event has for the other sponsors and partners. There was also a very high satisfaction level in terms of those who attended the event and their enjoyment thereof. In less than 10 years, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open has excelled in terms of the positive impact it has for Mauritius.”

The economic impact study has also set the tone for a 2025 tournament that will be played at the spectacular La Réserve Golf Links from 18-21 December, bringing it back to the fairways of Mauritius’ newest golf course which has already garnered several global awards.

La Réserve Golf Links on the famed Bel Ombre estate in the south of the island has been internationally recognised as a masterpiece of golf design that was produced in partnership by renowned golf course designer Peter Matkovich and Major winner and former AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open champion Louis Oosthuizen.

It was named the “World’s Best New Golf Course” by the World Golf Awards in 2024, while Matkovich was the recipient of the award for “Golf Course Designer of the Year 2024” and Heritage Le Telfair was voted the “Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Hotel 2024”.

“La Réserve Golf Links has brought a new dimension to  the golf experience at Heritage Resorts and has helped position Bel Ombre as one of the island’s most complete golf destinations,” said Thierry Montocchio, CEO of ER Hospitality and custodian of the Heritage brand.

“The first hosting of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open on this links in 2023 drew international praise as we unveiled it to the world. Following this, we were honoured to see the course named the ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’ by the World Golf Awards in 2024, alongside recognitions for designer Peter Matkovich and Heritage Le Telfair. These accolades are a valuable validation of the vision and care that went into the creation of our golf course. We are delighted to welcome the tournament back, with the course having now truly settled in and primed to provide an even sterner test for some of the biggest names in golf.”

The partnership of a tournament with valuable economic impact and an internationally awarded golf course will again see the 2025 edition of Golf’s Most Beautiful Week fulfil its core objective as a strong driver of tourism to Mauritius.

“The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open is an important partner in our tourism objectives as the tournament takes the beauty of Mauritius to a global audience through the extensive television broadcast. It showcases not only the scenic beauty of Mauritius but also our capacity and ability to host major international sports events through our comprehensive offering of facilities and resorts that provide a world-class sports tourism offering,” said Avinash Teelock, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA).

The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open also continues to play a vital role in the pathway to greatness on the Sunshine Tour, with several professionals using their success in this event to develop their careers at the highest level of the game.

“The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open is a perfect example of the strength of our strategic alliance with the DP World Tour and the pathway this affords our members. In 2024 Sunshine Tour professional Dylan Naidoo finished second in this tournament and a few months later he won his maiden title on the DP World Tour and now has full playing privileges there. We are extremely proud of how this tournament has grown in such a short space of time and the value it has brought to our schedule,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.

The tournament has also established itself on the DP World Tour’s Opening Swing where it offers vital early-season opportunities and incentives for the professionals.

“We’re delighted to be returning to La Réserve Golf Links for a tournament that has become a firm favourite amongst our members. The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open offers such a unique week on our international schedule as an event played in a special setting. It’s always a memorable week and the perfect way to complete our Opening Swing of the new season,” said Ben Cowen, the DP World Tour’s Chief Tournament & Operations Officer.

The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open is proudly supported by leading brands such as AfrAsia Bank, Heritage Resorts, ER Group, Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, Heritage Villas Valriche, Mont Choisy Group, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), Emtel, Poncini, Mauritius Golf Federation, Phoenix Beverages, ticketbox.mu, DStv, C-Care, Mautourco, Ernie Els Wines and Miko Coffee.

Photo Credit: JACOB SJÖMAN

The winner of the 2026 Investec South African Open will receive an invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament and a place on one of the most iconic stages in the game.

The Sunshine Tour announced on Tuesday that Augusta National Golf Club has, as part of its 2026 qualifications, confirmed a place in its field for the winner of the 2026 Investec South African Open, which will be played at Stellenbosch Golf Club from 26 February to 1 March.

Further to this, The R&A has also stated its intention to retain the 2026 Investec South African Open as part of The Open Qualifying Series (OQS) for The 154^th Open at Royal Birkdale.

The national Open will now be the direct pathway into two of the most iconic Majors in the game for Sunshine Tour members.

“This is an historic moment for both our national Open and the Sunshine Tour. It is a powerful endorsement of the Sunshine Tour’s status as a strong and sustainable Tour, and further recognition of our role as a valued member of the global golf eco system and at the highest level of the game,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.

“As a Tour we have always been focused on representing the entire depth of our 250-strong membership and giving our members the best possible opportunities, through increased prize money on our Tour, more playing opportunities, the ability to showcase their talent and our game through our local and international broadcast platforms, and a global pathway onto the biggest stages such as the Majors through our Strategic Alliance with the DP World Tour and PGA Tour. This announcement is the exact representation of our belief that greatness begins here, on the Sunshine Tour.

“Whether its playing on the DP World Tour or PGA Tour, competing in the Majors, or representing South Africa in the Presidents Cup or the Olympic Games, the Sunshine Tour is a Tour of opportunity where our members can truly live out their biggest dreams for their careers.”

GolfRSA CEO Grant Hepburn said: “The Investec South African Open is the crown jewel of our national golfing calendar and one of the oldest national Opens in the world. As the custodian of this prestigious championship, GolfRSA is proud to see it recognised as a gateway to two of the game’s greatest stages — The Masters and The Open. This announcement underscores the championship’s global stature and the vital role it plays in inspiring the next generation of South African golfers.”

Pretoria (Gauteng) – Jonathan Broomhead claimed his fourth Sunshine Tour title in the space of 16 months after beating Jean-Paul Strydom on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff for the Sunbet Challenge hosted by Time Square at Wingate Park Country Club on Friday.

Broomhead and Strydom finished regulation play tied for the lead on 13-under-par after their respective final rounds of 68 and 71.

Strydom started his final round with a two-shot lead over the field, but could only find two birdies and a bogey during his final round.

This opened the door for Broomhead who rolled in five birdies, only dropping one shot, on his way into the playoff where a par was good enough to earn him the title.

It’s been a remarkably quick rise to four Sunshine Tour titles for Broomhead, and this victory moves him into second place on the Sunshine Tour’s Courier Guy Order of Merit.

Yurav Premlall continued his good form. After losing in a playoff last week, Premlall closed with a 67 on Friday to share third place on 11 under par alongside Estiaan Conradie (67), James Mack (71) and Australia’s Austin Bautista (71).

Herman Loubser, the current lead on the Courier Guy Order of Merit, finished tied 13^th on eight under par.

The Sunshine Tour now travels to the Wild Coast Sun Country Club in September for the Sunbet Challenge hosted by Wild Coast Sun. – Michael Vlismas Media