JC Ritchie and Daniel van Tonder will tee it up in Thursday’s first round of The Hyundai Open at the Ebotse Links still revelling in having secured their DP World Tour playing privileges for next season.

Ritchie and Van Tonder are back on home fairways this week for The Hyundai Open, a new tournament on the Sunshine Tour schedule.

They return home after an emotional Grand Final on the HotelPlanner Tour in Spain last week where they both took the opportunity to graduate to the DP World Tour.

Ritchie in particular is back on the Sunshine Tour having made history by becoming the first South African to win three times on the HotelPlanner Tour this season, and the first South African to win the Tour’s overall Road to Mallorca ranking.

“That is probably the best achievement I could’ve gotten this year to justify all the hard work and the struggles of the last couple of years. I’m glad I could prove to myself that it is possible. I think I’ve had an unbelievable season. It’s been a dream season for me. It’s such an awesome opportunity to be able to graduate to the DP World Tour,” Ritchie told the HotelPlanner Tour.

Ritchie will use his time back on the Sunshine Tour to prepare for his new campaign in the upcoming DP World Tour co-sanctioned events in South Africa towards the end of the year.

“I’m relieved. It’s been a long season with a lot of hard work. I feel like the last time I played out on the DP World Tour I didn’t know what I was doing. I sort of just felt out of my depth when I was playing there and I just didn’t know how to find my feet. It took coming back to the Sunshine Tour and grinding it back up all the way to get back here.

“I decided to lose some weight just to feel better about myself, and started working hard again. I started treating golf like a nine to five and not a hobby, and it’s rewarded me. I’m happy with my game – I know what I’m doing. I’m very excited. I can’t wait,” he told the HotelPlanner Tour.

This week’s field is a strong one and also includes the Sunshine Tour’s Courier Guy Order of Merit leader Herman Loubser, the Fortress Rookie of the Year leader Luis Carrera, and all but five of the winners on the Sunshine Tour this season.

England’s Miles Gray and local veteran campaigner, Brandon Pieters will take a slim one-shot lead into the second round of the fifth and final Big Easy Blu Label Invitational after both players carded rounds of four-under 68 at Silver Lakes Golf and Wildlife Estate on Monday.

Gray’s round of 68 featured three birdies, an eagle and a solitary drop while Pieters went round the Silver Lakes layout unblemished in the first round.

“I’m really happy with my round,” said Gray after his round-one effort. “I played solidly and kept it in play; just one silly mistake where I laid up into a bunker but other than that, I played pretty solidly the whole day.

“I think it’s really key that sometimes that from 120-130 yards you aim into 24 or 30 feet, which is hard to do mentally. But, if you can do that, I think you can put together a really good score around here. You’ve also got to make use of the par-fives here. I had a pitching wedge into two of them and a 4-iron into another, so you have to make use of the par-fives around here.”

Chasing hard and within touching distance of the leading pair, Dillon Germishuys, Kian Rose, Kian Coetzer, Reece McKain and Louis Botha will be relishing the opportunity to unseat Pieters and Gray from the summit of the leaderboard.

Last week’s winner, Daniel Cronje is in a seven-way share of the eighth spot which includes Oliver Goldhill, local man Drikus Joubert and amateurs Jandre van Niekerk, Romano Saincic, Rees Emanual and Ethan Gough.

This 54-hole event is forms part of the five tournaments which the Betway Big Easy Tour is co-hosting with the Blu Label Unlimited Bushveld Tour this campaign. The event at Silver Lakes is the final tournament in that series of five.

The Betway Big Easy Tour is the Sunshine Tour’s feeder circuit and enjoys the support of the legendary Ernie Els, among other patrons.

Daniel Cronje said he was relieved to finally cross the line after he claimed his first Betway Big Easy Tour victory in the eighth event of the season held at Killarney Country Club this week.

Cronje had come close to winning a few other times on Tour this season, even losing out in a playoff during the campaign. He was not going to fall short in Killarney this week.

Despite weather-forced delays, Cronje was determined to etch his name in the list of winners this campaign, and this was week to do so. At four-under-par, Cronje was one stroke off the pace coming into the final round on Thursday and wasted little time in going about his business.

His bogey-free 32 on the front nine set the tone for Cronje and even as he made two bogeys on the way home, he was still able to make four birdies on that stretch to seal a final round of five-under 65 to get to eight-under for the week and win by three shots.

“This is by far the biggest win of my career,” said the 25-year-old London-born South African. “I feel relieved now because I’ve had a few opportunities to get it done and it gets frustrating when you have the game but things don’t go your way. I’m glad I got it done this week.

“It was a really tough week with the delays but it worked out well in the end.”

With his maiden victory, Cronje now moves to second on the Order of Merit and will look for a strong finish to the season as his pathway to the Sunshine Tour looks all but sealed. The top 12 players on the Order of Merit will earn their Sunshine Tour cards for the next season and Cronje will want to keep his place among the leading players this campaign.

The Betway Big Easy Tour is the Sunshine Tour’s feeder circuit and enjoys the support of the legendary Ernie Els, among other patrons.

SCORES

202 - Daniel Cronje 69 68 65

205 - Ronald Rugumayo 68 70 67, Dillon Germshuys 68 68 69

206 - Louis Liebenberg 73 66 67, Musiwalo Nethunzwi 68 68 70

208 - Oliver Goldhill 71 68 69, Travis Procter 67 71 70

209 - Therion Nel 73 67 69

210 - Shaunak Rama 72 68 70, Ulrich van den Berg 73 68 69, Jake Bolton 68 68 74

211 - Luke Joy 70 69 72, Kian Coetzer 72 69 70, Hannes Strooh 72 67 72, John Bele 68 71 72, Vaughn van Deventer 71 68 72, Miles Gray 71 70 70, Drikus Joubert 70 69 72

212 - Kael Strydom 69 71 72, Matthew Rushton 71 67 74, Franklin Manchest 69 72 71, Jeré Brits 69 72 71

213 - Tumelo Molloyi 68 71 74, Mitch Phigeland 72 68 73

214 - Trevor Mahoney 66 74 74, Ruben Van Der Berg 70 70 74

215 - Jonathan Ackerman 68 71 76, LB Boshoff 68 73 74

217 - Josh De Aguiar 67 71 79

218 - James Pennington 71 70 77

219 - Albert Venter 72 69 78

MISSED THE CUT:-

142 - Austin Cherichella 72 70, Tyron Davidowitz 71 71, Andrew McLardy 73 69, Ethan Gough 71 71, Mandla Dlamini Jnr 70 72, Jordan Duminy 68 74, Jacquin Hess 69 73, Makhetha Mazibuko 70 72, Tomas Gana 72 70

143 - Ryan Tipping 69 74, Matt Millar 73 70, David Amm 66 77, Rees Emanual 72 71, Shaheed Patel 73 70, Sentanio Minnie 74 69, Thabiso Ngcobo 73 70, Lyle Pedro 74 69, Umar Davids 74 69

144 - Thanda Mavundla 71 73, Nicko Venter 73 71, Philip Geerts 73 71, Brandon Gildenhuys 74 70, Liam Ross 72 72, Travis Ladner 70 74, Bradley De Beer 73 71

145 - Khanya Mkhize 68 77, James Wiltshire 70 75, Brandon Pieters 70 75, Wandre Snyman 71 74, Jarryd Govender 73 72

146 - Nelis De Bruin 72 74, Jordan Wessels 72 74, Johan Theron 72 74, Slade Pickering 73 73, Reece Mc Kain 73 73

147 - Jastice Mashego 74 73, Keagan Crosbie 74 73, Keelan Africa 77 70, Jacques Van der Merwe 73 74, Jaden Deltel 78 69, Leon Visser 77 70

148 - Joe Sullivan 75 73, Andre Van Zyl 74 74

149 - Regan Steyn 74 75, Hayden Garcia 74 75

150 - Kian Rose 79 71, Sean Paxton 75 75, Sean Howell 76 74

151 - Adam Breen 76 75, Irvin Mosate wa Mazibuko 75 76, Lwazi Gqira 78 73, Jabulane Mabilane 79 72, Brandon-Jude Rennie 76 75, Steven Le Roux 77 74, Tristan Leonard 77 74, Slenda Sithebe 75 76

152 - Carl Mwale 76 76

153 - Alphius Kelapile 77 76, John Palm 75 78, Matthew Dennis 75 78, Jason Froneman 78 75

154 - M-Jay Xaba 80 74

155 - Kyle Kistensamy 77 78, Tawriq Abrahams 78 77, Richard Kruger 76 79

157 - Austin Mashego 75 82

158 - Robert Mavundla 80 78

159 - Chandler Shaw 88 71

WDN - Merrick Bremner 80 WDN, Tiger Adams 75 WDN, Mark Maart 74 WDN, Allister de Kock 76 WDN, Joshua Koekemoer 73 WDN, Thabang Simon 71 WDN, Ricco Motsa 76 WDN, Wade Jacobs 73 WDN, Teboho Sefatsa WDN, Evance Vukeya RTD, Harry Konig RTD, Siyanda Mwandla 78 DSQ, Sipho Bujela 76 DSQ

Member of the Papwa Sewgolum Class, Trevor Mahoney and Zimbabwe’s David Amm carded respective rounds of four-under 66 to share the first-round lead in the eighth Betway Big Easy Tour event held at Killarney Country Club.

Tuesday’s opening round saw the two men perched at the top of the leaderboard, a stroke clear of their closest challengers at Killarney Country Club.

The resurgent Mahoney, who is beginning to show signs of the golfer who claimed two Vusi Ngubeni titles on the Sunshine Tour, had five birdies and a solitary bogey on his card while Amm’s round consisted of five birdies, an eagle, a single bogey and an unwanted double.

Tied for the third spot was the duo of Travis Procter and amateur, Josh Aguilar, with both players shooting scores of three-under 67 on this par-70 layout. Veteran John Bele snuck in a cheeky two-under 68 to share fifth with young Jonathan Ackerman, Jordan Duminy, Soweto’s Musiwalo Nethunzwi, Khanya Mkhize, Dillon Germishuys, LB Boshoff, England’s Jake Bolton and Ugandan star, Ronald Rugumayo.

Franklin Manchest, Jacquin Hess, Kael Strydom, Ryan Tipping, amateur Jere Brits and Daniel Cronje all carded rounds of 69 to share 15th on the leaderboard.

The Betway Big Easy Tour is the Sunshine Tour’s feeder circuit and enjoys the support of the legendary Ernie Els, among other patrons.

Hennie du Plessis claimed a fairytale victory in the Sunshine Tour’s Blu Label Unlimited Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club on Saturday, marking an emotional comeback to the game after 18 months on the sidelines because of injury.

Du Plessis won with a total of 49 points, adding eight points on the final day, to claim his third Sunshine Tour title but his first since a team victory with Jean Hugo in 2018.

Anthony Michael took second place on 35 points while MJ Viljoen and Yurav Premlall shared third place on 33 points.

The moment Hennie du Plessis won for the third time on the Sunshine Tour. 🏆#BluLabelUnlimitedChallenge #SunshineTour #GreatnessBeginsHere pic.twitter.com/LHjAa7P04b

— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) October 25, 2025

It was a significant moment in more ways than one for Du Plessis, who has battled his way back from wrist surgery and a few complications with his rehab.

This was also his first victory since becoming a father.

“I think that’s why golf seems a little bit easier now. It’s harder to be a parent, I can tell you that. I’m only joking. It’s been a long time since my last win. This is a special one, it’s a special place. I’ve got my family here and it’s such a special moment,” said Du Plessis.

“I put in the work to get back here. This was sort of a warmup event to see where my game is at, and I’m very happy with the way I played, especially coming down the stretch. I had a few fumbles on the back nine and my caddie Zack (Rasego) just spoke to me and told me to stay focused and slow everything down.

I started seeing and hitting better shots and made a few clutch putts. I think my game is a little bit better than the last time I played.”

The tournament coincided with a 36-hole Blu Label Unlimited Ladies Challenge that took place at the Lost City Golf Course and which saw Kaiyuree Moodley claim her maiden professional title on three points, one clear of Ivanna Samu.

“It feels amazing to have my first win on tour. We’re really grateful to Blu Label for giving us a chance to play,” she said.

SCORES

49 - Hennie du Plessis 13 10 18 8

35 - Anthony Michael 8 15 5 7

33 - MJ Viljoen 9 11 4 9, Yurav Premlall 11 13 6 3

32 - Thomas Spreadborough 9 6 9 8, Christiaan Burke 1 8 15 8, Tyrone Ryan 22 7 2 1

30 - Luis Carrera 7 8 7 8

29 - Ryan Van Velzen 3 10 7 9

26 - Stals Swart 7 11 4 4

25 - Haydn Porteous 9 0 9 7, Heinrich Bruiners 6 6 9 4

24 - Pieter Moolman 7 8 3 6, James Mack 7 6 7 4, Wynand Dingle 6 2 12 4, Herman Loubser 8 4 9 3

23 - Oliver Bekker -2 10 5 10, Jaco Prinsloo 3 9 3 8

22 - Ethan Smith 11 5 0 6

21 - Pierre Viallaneix 9 5 -2 9, Lyle Rowe 9 11 3 -2, Stephen Ferreira 8 3 4 6

19 - Jacquin Hess 6 3 4 6, Keenan Davidse 13 4 -2 4, Altin van der Merwe 2 6 8 3

18 - Joe Long 4 11 -2 5

17 - CJ du Plessis 6 3 -4 12, Luke Jerling 4 5 3 5

16 - Jacques P de Villiers 3 6 3 4, Allen John 7 3 12 -6

15 - Rowan Lester 6 3 -1 7, Hennie Otto 6 3 5 1

14 - Michael Hollick 5 7 -3 5, Hayden Griffiths 2 8 3 1

13 - Benjamin Follett-Smith 7 9 -4 1, Nikhil Rama 0 8 13 -8, Jack Hawksby 3 10 3 -3

12 - JJ Senekal 4 8 -4 4, Ockie Strydom 6 9 -7 4, Trevor Fisher Jnr 3 11 0 -2, Samuel Simpson 4 4 6 -2, Benjamin Van Wyk 7 4 5 -4

11 - Stuart Krog 6 3 -3 5

10 - Ruan Conradie 4 10 4 -8, Matthew Spacey 3 8 4 -5

7 - Tyran Snyders 4 12 -4 -5, Daniel van Tonder 5 6 2 -6

6 - Ricky Hendler 4 4 3 -5

5 - Gerhard Pepler 6 4 -3 -2

4 - Justin Walters 10 3 -11 2, Austin Bautista 4 9 -3 -6

Missed the cut:-

7 - Rupert Kaminski 1 6, Robson Chinhoi 2 5, Keagan Thomas 5 2, Deon Germishuys -2 9, Hennie O'Kennedy -2 9, Jean-Paul Strydom 8 -1

6 - Jean Hugo 5 1, Neil Schietekat 6 0, Kieron van Wyk 8 -2, Mikkel Antonsen 1 5

5 - Jason Roets 1 4, Keelan van Wyk -2 7, Jonathan Broomhead 3 2, Jake Redman 2 3

4 - Warwick Purchase -3 7, Simon du Plooy -3 7, Ryan van der Klis -2 6, Rhys West -2 6

3 - Franklin Manchest 4 -1, Estiaan Conradie -1 4, Martin Vorster 4 -1, Quintin Wilsnach 2 1, Marcus Sandile Taylor 3 0

2 - Conner Mackenzie -2 4, Rourke van der Spuy 3 -1, Graham van der Merwe 0 2

1 - Xander Basson 0 1, Kyle De Beer 2 -1, Paul Boshoff 5 -4, Kyle McClatchie 8 -7, Tumelo Molloyi 0 1, Tristen Strydom 4 -3, Toto Thimba Jnr 1 0

0 - Jacques Blaauw 1 -1, Kyle Barker -1 1

-1 - Luca Filippi 0 -1, Joe Knox -3 2, Luke Brown 1 -2

-2 - Keegan Mclachlan -3 1, Otto Van Buynder -5 3

-3 - Jordan Duminy -2 -1, Doug McGuigan -1 -2

-4 - Karabo Mokoena 2 -6, Dylan Mostert -5 1

-5 - Ruan Korb 0 -5

-7 - Malcolm Mitchell 1 -8, Rhys Enoch -2 -5

-8 - George Coetzee -10 2

-13 - Merrick Bremner -7 -6

 

Hennie du Plessis’ incredible return to the Sunshine Tour continues as he claimed the lead in the Blu Label Unlimited Challenge heading into Saturday’s final round at the Gary Player Country Club.

Du Plessis heads the field on 41 points after adding 18 points at the Gary Player Country Club on Friday. His nearest challenger is Tyrone Ryan on 31 points after he could only manage a further two points. And Yurav Premlall is currently third on 30 points following a third round of six points.

Du Plessis has been a revelation this week as he’s returned from a lengthy layoff caused by surgery to his right wrist and then had his recovery further delayed by an injury to his left wrist.

“I’m very happy to be back, and to be back at Sun City which is such a special place to start my campaign again,” he said.

“It was very unfortunate. I was doing all the right things to rehab after surgery, and then the left wrist got inflammation and an irritation of the joint. But in that time we had a baby and I had time to spend with him, which if I was playing a full schedule overseas wouldn’t have been possible.”

It’s been a remarkable comeback for Du Plessis who admits he came to Sun City just to test out where his game is at, and who now suddenly finds himself chasing his third Sunshine Tour title. His last individual victory came in 2017, while he teamed up with Jean Hugo to win the Steyn City Team Championship in 2018.

“I’m just happy to be contending. I’m very happy with the work I’ve been putting in,” he said.

Tyrone Ryan held onto his lead in the Blu Label Unlimited Challenge but after a slightly tougher second round in which he added seven points to climb to 29 points overall.

Ryan played the Lost City Golf Club on Thursday and had to work harder for his lead than his opening 22 points over the Gary Player Country Club course.

“It was a tricky day out there with the wind. I couldn’t come to grips with the wind so that was tough. Between the pin positions and the wind, I struggled to have standard shots. I had a lot of awkward yardages. It was a battle out there today, but I kept it together.”

It opened the door for Yurav Premlall to close the gap as his nearest challenger just five points adrift of him.

And Hennie du Plessis continues to impress on his comeback from injury as he shares third place with Anthony Michael on 23 points.

Premlall played the Gary Player Country Club course on Thursday and made 13 points on a golf course where he has fond memories, having won the Nedbank Junior Challenge here while still an amateur and also the Freddie Tait Cup for the leading amateur in the 2021 Investec South African Open.

He clearly felt at home as he picked up the most points on the Gary Player Country Club on day two.

🇿🇦 Yurav Premlall plays himself into contention at halfway point in Sun City. ☀️⛳️

He’s currently at the top with 24 points. 📊 #BluLabelUnlimitedChallenge pic.twitter.com/lrkjKTaVvU

— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) October 23, 2025

“It’s one of my favourite events and venues for the year and I always look forward to coming back to play this event,” said Premlall.

“The golf courses are really nice. It’s a lot softer compared to last year, so it’s easier to make birdies. I just need to keep on doing what I am doing. The format is really cool – it rewards you for making birdies, so I’m going to have to make a lot of them. I am looking forward to what the next two days will bring.”

In joint third place, Du Plessis has been enjoying his return to competitive golf following injury. “I played with zero expectations and just came here to see where my game is at, and I’m very happy. I’m in the mix so I’ll keep my foot on the pedal. I’m still trying to win a tournament and I wouldn’t have come here if I didn’t think my game was ready to compete with these guys.”

A seamless return to the fairways for Hennie Du Plessis as he finds himself in contention at @SunCityResortSA #BluLabelUnlimitedChallenge #GreatnessBeginsHere #SunshineTour pic.twitter.com/qLsZlpZEyp

— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) October 23, 2025

Another highlight of Thursday’s second round was a hole-in-one, with Deon Germishuys acing the 155-metre par-three 16th hole with a seven iron and earning himself 50 000 Skybucks from Airlink.

Hole-in-one alert. 🚨😲

👤 Deon Germishuys
📏 155 meters
⛳ Hole 16, Gary Player Country Club
🏌️ 7-Iron

Deon wins 50,000 Skybucks courtesy of @Fly_Airlink, and qualifies for the season-ending #AirlinkAces par 3 contest. #BluLabelUnlimitedChallenge pic.twitter.com/BBWzoGiskt

— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) October 23, 2025

SCORES

29 - Tyrone Ryan 22 7

24 - Yurav Premlall 11 13

23 - Hennie du Plessis 13 10, Anthony Michael 8 15

20 - Lyle Rowe 9 11, MJ Viljoen 9 11

18 - Stals Swart 7 11

17 - Keenan Davidse 13 4

16 - Tyran Snyders 4 12, Benjamin Follett-Smith 7 9, Ethan Smith 11 5

15 - Luis Carrera 7 8, Pieter Moolman 7 8, Ockie Strydom 6 9, Joe Long 4 11, Thomas Spreadborough 9 6

14 - Ruan Conradie 4 10, Trevor Fisher Jnr 3 11, Pierre Viallaneix 9 5

13 - Justin Walters 10 3, Austin Bautista 4 9, James Mack 7 6, Ryan Van Velzen 3 10, Jack Hawksby 3 10

12 - Herman Loubser 8 4, Michael Hollick 5 7, JJ Senekal 4 8, Heinrich Bruiners 6 6, Jaco Prinsloo 3 9

11 - Daniel van Tonder 5 6, Stephen Ferreira 8 3, Benjamin Van Wyk 7 4, Matthew Spacey 3 8

10 - Gerhard Pepler 6 4, Hayden Griffiths 2 8, Allen John 7 3

9 - Luke Jerling 4 5, Christiaan Burke 1 8, Hennie Otto 6 3, Haydn Porteous 9 0, Jacques P de Villiers 3 6, CJ du Plessis 6 3, Stuart Krog 6 3, Jacquin Hess 6 3, Rowan Lester 6 3

8 - Wynand Dingle 6 2, Oliver Bekker -2 10, Samuel Simpson 4 4, Altin van der Merwe 2 6, Ricky Hendler 4 4, Nikhil Rama 0 8

Missed the cut:

7 - Rupert Kaminski 1 6, Robson Chinhoi 2 5, Keagan Thomas 5 2, Deon Germishuys -2 9, Hennie O'Kennedy -2 9, Jean-Paul Strydom 8 -1

6 - Jean Hugo 5 1, Neil Schietekat 6 0, Kieron van Wyk 8 -2, Mikkel Antonsen 1 5

5 - Jason Roets 1 4, Keelan van Wyk -2 7, Jonathan Broomhead 3 2, Jake Redman 2 3

4 - Warwick Purchase -3 7, Simon du Plooy -3 7, Ryan van der Klis -2 6, Rhys West -2 6

3 - Franklin Manchest 4 -1, Estiaan Conradie -1 4, Martin Vorster 4 -1, Quintin Wilsnach 2 1, Marcus Sandile Taylor 3 0

2 - Conner Mackenzie -2 4, Rourke van der Spuy 3 -1, Graham van der Merwe 0 2

1 - Xander Basson 0 1, Kyle De Beer 2 -1, Paul Boshoff 5 -4, Kyle McClatchie 8 -7, Tumelo Molloyi 0 1, Tristen Strydom 4 -3, Toto Thimba Jnr 1 0

0 - Jacques Blaauw 1 -1, Kyle Barker -1 1

-1 - Luca Filippi 0 -1, Joe Knox -3 2, Luke Brown 1 -2

-2 - Keegan Mclachlan -3 1, Otto Van Buynder -5 3

-3 - Jordan Duminy -2 -1, Doug McGuigan -1 -2

-4 - Karabo Mokoena 2 -6, Dylan Mostert -5 1

-5 - Ruan Korb 0 -5

-7 - Malcolm Mitchell 1 -8, Rhys Enoch -2 -5

-8 - George Coetzee -10 2

-13 - Merrick Bremner -7 -6

Tyrone Ryan embraced the modified stableford format of the Blu Label Unlimited Challenge and claimed the lead on 22 points after Wednesday’s first round at both the Gary Player Country Club and Lost City Golf Club courses.

Ryan played the challenging Gary Player Country Club in the first round and teed off the 10th hole as he worked his way into a nine-point lead.

But it was the format and how it translated to his strategy on the golf course that most excited Ryan.

“It’s just such an amazing place with so much history behind it. The greats of the game have walked these fairways. The format is nice in the sense that you need to be making birdies and eagles, so you need to be aggressive without shooting yourself in the foot. I’m always having birdie in the back of my mind in some shape or form,” Ryan said.

“The round was good. I had a lovely hole-out for eagle on my ninth hole – funny enough with the same club that I got a hole-in-one with last week,” he said, referring to his ace in last week’s Fortress Invitational where he finished tied fourth to give him good momentum coming into this week.

“I also had a chip-in eagle on my 10th hole and carried the momentum through with birdies on my 13th, 15th, 16th and 17th holes.”

Catching up with our leader over night, Tyrone Ryan after carding an opening round of 62 which equates to 22 points in this week’s format. 📊 #BluLabelUnlimitatedChallenge pic.twitter.com/voXSKxZnlJ

— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) October 22, 2025

Ryan has given himself another good start as he looks to claim his second Sunshine Tour victory since breaking through in 2017.

“My golf’s been good for a while now, but I just haven’t been able to put it all together. Last week showed that patience, perseverance and good thinking on the golf course can go a long way. My short game and putting got better, and it showed today on the scorecard,” he said.

Hennie du Plessis made an impressive start in his comeback to the Tour following a lengthy layoff due to injury. He joined Keenan Davidse as Ryan’s nearest challengers on 13 points.

How things unfolded on day one of the #BluLabelUnlimitedChallenge @SunCityResortSA 📊#GreatnessBeginsHere #SunshineTour pic.twitter.com/kECPlfsSTc

— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) October 22, 2025

SCORES

22 - Tyrone Ryan

13 - Keenan Davidse, Hennie du Plessis

11 - Ethan Smith, Yurav Premlall

10 - Justin Walters

9 - MJ Viljoen, Pierre Viallaneix, Thomas Spreadborough, Lyle Rowe, Haydn Porteous

8 - Kyle McClatchie, Stephen Ferreira, Jean-Paul Strydom, Herman Loubser, Anthony Michael, Kieron van Wyk

7 - Stals Swart, Benjamin Van Wyk, Allen John, Luis Carrera, Pieter Moolman, Benjamin Follett-Smith, James Mack

6 - Heinrich Bruiners, CJ du Plessis, Stuart Krog, Rowan Lester, Jacquin Hess, Wynand Dingle, Hennie Otto, Gerhard Pepler, Ockie Strydom, Neil Schietekat

5 - Paul Boshoff, Keagan Thomas, Michael Hollick, Daniel van Tonder, Jean Hugo

4 - Joe Long, Tristen Strydom, Martin Vorster, Ruan Conradie, JJ Senekal, Tyran Snyders, Luke Jerling, Franklin Manchest, Samuel Simpson, Austin Bautista, Ricky Hendler

3 - Jack Hawksby, Jaco Prinsloo, Jacques P de Villiers, Marcus Sandile Taylor, Matthew Spacey, Rourke van der Spuy, Jonathan Broomhead, Trevor Fisher Jnr, Ryan Van Velzen

2 - Quintin Wilsnach, Jake Redman, Hayden Griffiths, Karabo Mokoena, Altin van der Merwe, Robson Chinhoi, Kyle De Beer

1 - Luke Brown, Mikkel Antonsen, Toto Thimba Jnr, Jacques Blaauw, Christiaan Burke, Rupert Kaminski, Jason Roets, Malcolm Mitchell

0 - Tumelo Molloyi, Ruan Korb, Graham van der Merwe, Nikhil Rama, Xander Basson, Luca Filippi

-1 - Doug McGuigan, Estiaan Conradie, Kyle Barker

-2 - Jordan Duminy, Deon Germishuys, Ryan van der Klis, Rhys Enoch, Hennie O'Kennedy, Rhys West, Oliver Bekker, Conner Mackenzie, Keelan van Wyk

-3 - Keegan Mclachlan, Simon du Plooy, Joe Knox, Warwick Purchase

-5 - Otto Van Buynder, Dylan Mostert

-7 - Merrick Bremner

-10 - George Coetzee

Every week, the Sunshine Tour showcases the men who grew up dreaming of greatness and who live out those dreams on the fairways. But this year, the Tour decided to also shine a light on the men or women who stand alongside them – the caddies.

At every prizegiving on the Sunshine Tour, the winning golfer’s caddie is also welcomed forward and awarded a medallion in recognition of the role he or she played in that victory.

It’s a public recognition of the people who are often in the background, but who work every bit as hard as their professionals. They rise just as early before dawn to get to the golf course. They spend just as much time away from home and loved ones. And they take just as much pleasure in their work, and the ultimate reward of victory.

“It’s such a beautiful thing that the Sunshine Tour is doing. It’s so inspiring. With the medallion handover people can see what we do as caddies,” says Albert Mciteka, who has won two medallions this year already with two different players in Pieter Moolman at the Limpopo Championship and Haydn Porteous at the Vodacom Origins of Golf at Gowrie Farm Lodge & Golf Course.

“It feels amazing to have achieved that, especially with two different players.”

Behind every bag carried and yardage book done is a story.

Mciteka’s story in golf began when he was still in primary school.

“I grew up in Stellenbosch and I’ve been caddieing since I was in primary school at Koelenhof Primary. I used to skip school just so that I could caddie and make some extra cash. And I just kept on going from there. I’ve been caddieing professionally for over 15 years now, on the Sunshine Tour and a bit on the DP World Tour.

“Golf means so much to me. I grew up with golf. There were one or two years where I worked because things were a bit tough, but I missed golf too much. I met Pieter Moolman five years ago and we just clicked, and we’re still together now.”

Much like the professionals who have their golfers they look up to, the caddies do the same within their own ranks.

“The late Douglas Mthembu was a mentor for me. He won the Joburg Open with Haydn Porteous. I’d often speak to him and he’d tell me how to do my job to the best of my ability.”

It’s a job he and every other caddie on the Sunshine Tour does with pride every single week.

“I’ve been fortunate to have won twice this year, but I don’t think I have any secret. I just read the greens, do my yardage book, and check potential flags for the next rounds. I just do my normal thing,” he says.

And yet every single week, it helps to unlock the extraordinary performances on the Sunshine Tour.

Every rookie golf professional will ask questions like: “Am I good enough? Do I belong, do I belong on tour”?

And the relief was palpable for Warwick Purchase after he won the Sunshine Tour’s R2.5-million Fortress Invitational at Glendower Golf Club on Sunday. “Now I do think I belong and I'm proud of myself. Yes, it’s only my first year on the Sunshine Tour and I guess you could say I’m a small fish in a big pond but I do believe I’m good enough to be out here," he said.

Warwick Purchase wins his maiden #SunshineTour title🏆#FortressInvitational #GreatnessBeginsHere pic.twitter.com/wEsbsZyY87

— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) October 19, 2025

The Benoni Country Club golfer wasn’t just good enough. He was sensational. The 28 strokes with which he blitzed the front nine in the third round will be etched in his memory forever. After pars at the first two holes, he went birdie 3, birdie 4, birdie 2, eagle 3 (where he holed a bunker shot at the par-5), birdie 3, birdie 2 and birdie 3. That’s eight-under-par through seven holes. One of the best nine-hole loops in Sunshine Tour history.

Besides the eagle, his seven-iron to two feet against the wind at the 201m par-3 eighth was exceptional. “But,” insisted caddie Charlie Msiza, “Warwick’s best shot was his bullet three-iron from 227m out to the heart of the green to set up birdie at the par-5 fourth hole.”

POWERPLAY

A seven-iron that flies over 200m is indicative of a power hitter and Purchase certainly fits into this category. A 400-yard drive? No problem for this guy who does indeed fire bullets long and straight off the tee.

Purchase didn’t have much of an amateur career but he won twice on the Big Easy development tour last year and topped that tour’s Order of Merit to earn a card for the Sunshine Tour.

For the record, he won on 19-under-par 269 following rounds of 66, 71, 62 and 70, and can look forward to a busy summer on the Sunshine Tour with some good money up for grabs.

The moment Warwick Purchase became a winner on the Sunshine Tour. 🏆 🥇 #FortressInvitational pic.twitter.com/bXSqH1YC0r

— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) October 19, 2025

Ever-smiling Kyle Barker and Argentina’s Luis Carrera tied for second on Sunday on 271.

Warwick's two biggest fans at Glendower were his mother Jenny and aunt Renee, watching every shot of his superb victory. They're a happy family right now.

Peter Matkovich, the acclaimed co-designer of the award winning La Réserve Golf Links, Heritage Resorts, has a very clear message for the golf world as this course prepares to host the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open for the second time later this year: “Word will continue to spread about just how good this golf course is”.

From 18-21 December, the Indian Ocean’s first and only contemporary links will once again take centre stage on the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour as the host of the prestigious AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open. It will welcome an international field to a golf course that has already garnered worldwide praise.

In its first year after opening, La Réserve Golf Links was voted the World’s Best New Golf Course at the 2024 World Golf Awards. Matkovich was also voted the Golf Course Architect of the Year.

The renowned architect believes this year’s field will be blown away by the course, which he says has “significantly raised the standard of golf in Mauritius”.

“The course has settled and matured so well and the team at Heritage Golf Club has just been so supportive,” says Matkovich.

“The professionals play on great golf courses throughout the year and we’re proud to contribute to that. I think we’ll surprise a lot of people. I’m really looking forward to showcasing what La Réserve Golf Links is all about and how Mauritius is becoming a recognised golf destination.”

This year’s tournament will indeed represent the coming together of a number of elements that will showcase Mauritius’ growing status as a new force in the golf industry.

There is the chance of tournament history being made as England’s John Parry attempts to become the first player to successful defend his title.

There is the tournament’s status as a major economic driver for Mauritius, with the 2024 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open having delivered a record US$4.2 million in net economic impact for the Mauritian economy.

And there is a world-class golf course in La Réserve Golf Links that will provide a fitting stage as the powerful story of golf in Mauritius continues to be told to the world.

Sunshine Tour rookie Warwick Purchase withstood a few final-round challenges on his way to a maiden victory in the Fortress Invitational at Glendower Golf Club on Sunday.

Purchase, who held a three-shot lead going into the final round, had to endure a strong charge from the experienced Kyle Barker and a weather delay before closing with a 70 for victory on 19 under par.

Barker signed for a 69 to finish tied second with Fortress Rookie of the Year leader Mexico’s Luis Carrera (65) on 17 under par.

The moment Warwick Purchase became a winner on the Sunshine Tour. 🏆 🥇 #FortressInvitational pic.twitter.com/bXSqH1YC0r

— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) October 19, 2025

“I’m so happy to get the job done today. There were a couple of doubts going into the back nine and I had a bit of a tricky finish coming in,” said an emotional Purchase.

“I’m really proud of myself. I fought hard and dug deep. Right now, I’m a bit overwhelmed but I’m so overjoyed. I’ve had a tough time the last few months on the golf course, so to go on and do it this week, it’s awesome.”

Purchase came into this week’s tournament having missed the cut in his previous four events on the Sunshine Tour, and admitted it felt incredibly rewarding to finally break through with a maiden victory.

“Right now, it means absolutely everything to me. It’s obviously a goal and something I have been working towards. That’s why we practice every day and why we get up every morning. I’m really happy,” Purchase said.

With his victory, Purchase moves into second place behind Carrera on the Fortress Rookie of the Year standings.

Another strong finish by Carrera sees him climb into third place on the Sunshine Tour’s Courier Guy Order of Merit.

Tyrone Ryan closed with a 68 to take fourth place on 16 under par.

SCORES

269 - Warwick Purchase 66 71 62 70 

271 - Luis Carrera 72 70 64 65, Kyle Barker 69 67 66 69

272 - Tyrone Ryan 68 68 68 68

276 - Jonathan Broomhead 68 68 72 68, Daniel van Tonder 66 69 69 72

277 - Dylan Frittelli 73 68 67 69

278 - Benjamin Van Wyk 65 73 70 70

279 - Kyle De Beer 69 69 72 69, Rhys Enoch 69 67 76 67, Martin Vorster 66 75 68 70, Tyran Snyders 66 72 70 71, Rupert Kaminski 72 67 69 71, Pieter Moolman 68 72 68 71

280 - Benjamin Follett-Smith 65 73 72 70, Trevor Fisher Jnr 71 70 69 70, Graham van der Merwe 72 69 69 70, Jaco Prinsloo 68 73 69 70, CJ du Plessis 68 70 71 71, Michael Hollick 71 70 73 66, Christiaan Burke 68 67 71 74

281 - Kieron van Wyk 69 73 68 71, Samuel Simpson 74 69 67 71, Heinrich Bruiners 69 69 69 74

282 - Jason Roets 67 70 73 72, Jacques P de Villiers 72 71 67 72, Neil Schietekat 70 71 72 69, Keagan Thomas 71 72 71 68, Haydn Porteous 73 68 73 68, Stephen Ferreira 71 71 66 74

283 - Luke Brown 69 73 67 74, Deon Germishuys 67 69 71 76

284 - Lyle Rowe 69 73 71 71, James Mack 69 69 70 76

285 - Keelan van Wyk 72 71 68 74, Herman Loubser 73 69 69 74, Justin Walters 68 72 71 74, Otto Van Buynder 70 73 70 72, Mikkel Antonsen 69 68 71 77, Gerhard Pepler 70 72 72 71

286 - Louis Albertse 67 75 71 73, Karabo Mokoena 71 70 72 73

287 - Pierre Viallaneix 70 68 72 77, Allen John 71 72 69 75, Keenan Davidse 72 70 70 75, Keegan Mclachlan 69 71 73 74, Kyle McClatchie 68 75 71 73, Ryan van der Klis 72 70 76 69

288 - JJ Senekal 70 72 72 74

289 - Matthew Spacey 67 76 71 75, Keanu Pestana 75 68 73 73, Hayden Griffiths 71 72 74 72

290 - Ulrich van den Berg 72 67 75 76

294 - Hennie Otto 68 73 74 79

296 - Thomas Spreadborough 70 70 82 74

Missed the cut:

144 - Jean Hugo 76 68, Nikhil Rama 71 73, Rhys West 72 72, Ruan Korb 71 73, Jacquin Hess 71 73, Christian Kriek 73 71, Tumelo Molloyi 69 75, Hennie O'Kennedy 76 68, Peter Karmis 73 71, Ethan Smith 71 73, Joe Long 70 74, Ricky Hendler 71 73, Luke Jerling 67 77, Jordan Burnand 69 75, Gregory Mckay 70 74, Quintin Wilsnach 70 74 145 - Leon Vorster 72 73, MJ Viljoen 73 72, Franklin Manchest 71 74, Brandon Meads 77 68, Toto Thimba Jnr 71 74, Wynand Dingle 71 74, Rowan Lester 71 74, Anthony Michael 72 73, Stals Swart 68 77

146 - Makhetha Mazibuko 76 70, Albert Venter 69 77, Jacques Blaauw 74 72, Dylan Mostert 72 74, Yurav Premlall 74 72, Musiwalo Nethunzwi 73 73, George Coetzee 74 72, Conner Mackenzie 74 72, Werner Deyzel 72 74

147 - Zachary Chegwidden 74 73, Christiaan Basson 75 72, Estiaan Conradie 73 74, Siyanda Mwandla 73 74, Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa 74 73, Ross Wellington 73 74, Liam Grehan 74 73

148 - Xander Basson 73 75, Altin van der Merwe 71 77, Stuart Krog 71 77, Jean-Paul Strydom 72 76, Malcolm Mitchell 71 77, Kian Rose 73 75

149 - Keelan Africa 75 74, Callum Mowat 78 71, Robson Chinhoi 75 74, Jack Hawksby 76 73, Rourke van der Spuy 73 76, Tristen Strydom 72 77, Ruan de Smidt 74 75, Nick Cunningham 74 75

150 - Danie Van Niekerk 73 77, Ronald Rugumayo 74 76, Luca Filippi 74 76

151 - Tyron Davidowitz 79 72, Marcus Sandile Taylor 78 73, Ruan Conradie 77 74, Slenda Sithebe 75 76, Slade Pickering 70 81, Khanya Mkhize 77 74, Simon du Plooy 73 78, Joe Knox 74 77

152 - Jason Broomhead 76 76, Eric Wowor 79 73, Trevor Mahoney 75 77, Paul Boshoff 77 75

153 - Thabiso Ngcobo 75 78, Shaunak Rama 77 76, Luke Mayo 72 81, Kayle Wykes 76 77, Ruan Groenewald 81 72 154 - Nyasha Muyambo 78 76 155 - Tomas Gana 78 77, Sentanio Minnie 81 74, Jastice Mashego 75 80, James Pennington 78 77 156 - Marcel Steyn Scholtz 78 78 157 - Harry Konig 75 82, Mark Maart 75 82, Tristin Galant 71 86 159 - Jordan Duminy 83 76, Umar Davids 80 79 162 - Merrick Bremner 81 81, Jake Redman 83 79 163 - Mandla Dlamini Jnr 78 85 WDN - Allister de Kock 80 WDN, Thanda Mavundla 85 WDN

Sunshine Tour rookie Warwick Purchase turned up the heat on a cold day at Glendower Golf Club with a third round of 10-under-par 62 that earned him a three-stroke lead in the Fortress Invitational.

Purchase heads the field on 17 under par following a round which included a front nine of 28 and featured a total of nine birdies, an eagle and one bogey.

His nearest challenger is Kyle Barker on 14 under par following his third round of 66, with Daniel van Tonder (69) and Tyrone Ryan (68) on 12 under par.

It was an incredible day of golf with Purchase’s 62 and both Barker and Ryan scoring holes-in-one. Barker aced the 201-metre par-three eighth hole with a seven iron, while Ryan holed out with a gap wedge on the 125-metre par -three fifth hole.

“Today’s round was pretty insane and probably the best of my life, especially that front-nine,” said Purchase.

“I wasn’t thinking too much and was just hitting golf shots. The next minute I shot 28 on the front nine. I also managed to keep it really solid on the back nine, which was playing a bit tougher. Overall, it was a good day where my mindset was perfect.”

Warwick Purchase put on a putting masterclass on his to carding a third round 62. ✍️ 📈 #FortressInvitations pic.twitter.com/aWnBDD5Ejb

— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) October 18, 2025

Purchase missed the cut in his last four tournaments before this. And after a second round of 71 he also put in even more work on his game, which showed on Saturday.

“I didn’t have a great putting round on Friday so I did quite a bit of practice after the round. My swing also fell into a nice groove today and I decided to be a bit braver and play more aggressively.”

Currently ranked in the top 10 on the Fortress Rookie of the Year standings, Purchase is preparing himself for the new experience of leading a Sunshine Tour event going into the final round.

“It’s foreign territory for me on the Sunshine Tour, so I think a little bit of thought needs to go into my gameplan and on how I will handle the nerves, as there will definitely be some. I’ll be playing with two big names on the Sunshine Tour – Daniel (Van Tonder) and Kyle (Barker) – so the goal will be to get myself into my own little bubble and not worry about what’s going on around me.”

SCORES

199 - Warwick Purchase 66 71 62

202 - Kyle Barker 69 67 66

204 - Tyrone Ryan 68 68 68, Daniel van Tonder 66 69 69

206 - Luis Carrera 72 70 64, Christiaan Burke 68 67 71

207 - Heinrich Bruiners 69 69 69, Deon Germishuys 67 69 71

208 - Stephen Ferreira 71 71 66, Dylan Frittelli 73 68 67, Pieter Moolman 68 72 68, Rupert Kaminski 72 67 69, Benjamin Van Wyk 65 73 70, Tyran Snyders 66 72 70, James Mack 69 69 70, Mikkel Antonsen 69 68 71, Jonathan Broomhead 68 68 72

209 - Luke Brown 69 73 67, Martin Vorster 66 75 68, CJ du Plessis 68 70 71

210 - Samuel Simpson 74 69 67, Jacques P de Villiers 72 71 67, Kieron van Wyk 69 73 68, Jaco Prinsloo 68 73 69, Graham van der Merwe 72 69 69, Trevor Fisher Jnr 71 70 69, Pierre Viallaneix 70 68 72, Benjamin Follett-Smith 65 73 72, Kyle De Beer 69 69 72, Jason Roets 67 70 73

211 - Keelan van Wyk 72 71 68, Herman Loubser 73 69 69, Justin Walters 68 72 71

212 - Allen John 71 72 69, Keenan Davidse 72 70 70, Rhys Enoch 69 67 76

213 - Otto Van Buynder 70 73 70, Lyle Rowe 69 73 71, Louis Albertse 67 75 71, Karabo Mokoena 71 70 72, Neil Schietekat 70 71 72, Keegan Mclachlan 69 71 73

214 - Matthew Spacey 67 76 71, Kyle McClatchie 68 75 71, Keagan Thomas 71 72 71, Gerhard Pepler 70 72 72, JJ Senekal 70 72 72, Michael Hollick 71 70 73, Haydn Porteous 73 68 73, Ulrich van den Berg 72 67 75

215 - Hennie Otto 68 73 74

216 - Keanu Pestana 75 68 73

217 - Hayden Griffiths 71 72 74

218 - Ryan van der Klis 72 70 76

222 - Thomas Spreadborough 70 70 82

MISSED THE CUT:-

144 - Jean Hugo 76 68, Nikhil Rama 71 73, Rhys West 72 72, Ruan Korb 71 73, Jacquin Hess 71 73, Christian Kriek 73 71, Tumelo Molloyi 69 75, Hennie O'Kennedy 76 68, Peter Karmis 73 71, Ethan Smith 71 73, Joe Long 70 74, Ricky Hendler 71 73, Luke Jerling 67 77, Jordan Burnand 69 75, Gregory Mckay 70 74, Quintin Wilsnach 70 74

145 - Leon Vorster 72 73, MJ Viljoen 73 72, Franklin Manchest 71 74, Brandon Meads 77 68, Toto Thimba Jnr 71 74, Wynand Dingle 71 74, Rowan Lester 71 74, Anthony Michael 72 73, Stals Swart 68 77

146 - Makhetha Mazibuko 76 70, Albert Venter 69 77, Jacques Blaauw 74 72, Dylan Mostert 72 74, Yurav Premlall 74 72, Musiwalo Nethunzwi 73 73, George Coetzee 74 72, Conner Mackenzie 74 72, Werner Deyzel 72 74

147 - Zachary Chegwidden 74 73, Christiaan Basson 75 72, Estiaan Conradie 73 74, Siyanda Mwandla 73 74, Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa 74 73, Ross Wellington 73 74, Liam Grehan 74 73

148 - Xander Basson 73 75, Altin van der Merwe 71 77, Stuart Krog 71 77, Jean-Paul Strydom 72 76, Malcolm Mitchell 71 77, Kian Rose 73 75

149 - Keelan Africa 75 74, Callum Mowat 78 71, Robson Chinhoi 75 74, Jack Hawksby 76 73, Rourke van der Spuy 73 76, Tristen Strydom 72 77, Ruan de Smidt 74 75, Nick Cunningham 74 75

150 - Danie Van Niekerk 73 77, Ronald Rugumayo 74 76, Luca Filippi 74 76

151 - Tyron Davidowitz 79 72, Marcus Sandile Taylor 78 73, Ruan Conradie 77 74, Slenda Sithebe 75 76, Slade Pickering 70 81, Khanya Mkhize 77 74, Simon du Plooy 73 78, Joe Knox 74 77

152 - Jason Broomhead 76 76, Eric Wowor 79 73, Trevor Mahoney 75 77, Paul Boshoff 77 75

153 - Thabiso Ngcobo 75 78, Shaunak Rama 77 76, Luke Mayo 72 81, Kayle Wykes 76 77, Ruan Groenewald 81 72

154 - Nyasha Muyambo 78 76

155 - Tomas Gana 78 77, Sentanio Minnie 81 74, Jastice Mashego 75 80, James Pennington 78 77

156 - Marcel Steyn Scholtz 78 78

157 - Harry Konig 75 82, Mark Maart 75 82, Tristin Galant 71 86

159 - Jordan Duminy 83 76, Umar Davids 80 79

162 - Merrick Bremner 81 81, Jake Redman 83 79

163 - Mandla Dlamini Jnr 78 85

WDN - Allister de Kock 80 WDN, Thanda Mavundla 85 WDN

Daniel van Tonder overcame a bee sting on the first tee to claim a share of the lead going into the weekend of the Sunshine Tour’s Fortress Invitational at Glendower Golf Club.

Van Tonder signed for a second round of 69 on Friday to share a one-stroke lead with Christiaan Burke (67) on nine under par overall.

“On the first tee box, just before we teed off, a bee stung me on my right hand, causing a bit of swelling. My hand was swollen and burning. It wasn’t easy to hold the club and get some feel,” Van Tonder said.

Despite the discomfort, Van Tonder birdied the first hole and played his way into contention for his third victory this year.

“It was a tough day with the wind, and the greens were really tricky in the afternoon. But I think I coped well with everything. I’m happy with my game,” he said.

Alongside him, Burke claimed a share of the lead with a run of three consecutive birdies in his final six holes.

“Today was really good, but it was quite tough with the wind. It was swirling a lot, so it was difficult to get the distances right. I was putting solid and just tried to manage my game around the course,” said Burke, who is hunting his maiden title on the Sunshine Tour this weekend.

“I know this course well. I play here a lot. Heading into the weekend, I’ll just stick to my own game and not worry about the other golfers. I’ll just focus on hitting the fairways and greens and the putts will come. I am hitting the ball well, so it will be an exciting next two days.”

It’s still a tight leaderboard with a group of five players just one shot off the leaders and including Kyle Barker, Tyrone Ryan, Jonathan Broomhead, Deon Germishuys and Rhys Enoch.

SCORES

135 - Daniel van Tonder 66 69, Christiaan Burke 68 67

136 - Kyle Barker 69 67, Tyrone Ryan 68 68, Jonathan Broomhead 68 68, Rhys Enoch 69 67, Deon Germishuys 67 69

137 - Warwick Purchase 66 71, Mikkel Antonsen 69 68, Jason Roets 67 70

138 - James Mack 69 69, Kyle De Beer 69 69, Heinrich Bruiners 69 69, CJ du Plessis 68 70, Tyran Snyders 66 72, Benjamin Follett-Smith 65 73, Benjamin Van Wyk 65 73, Pierre Viallaneix 70 68

139 - Ulrich van den Berg 72 67, Rupert Kaminski 72 67

140 - Thomas Spreadborough 70 70, Justin Walters 68 72, Pieter Moolman 68 72, Keegan Mclachlan 69 71

141 - Trevor Fisher Jnr 71 70, Graham van der Merwe 72 69, Neil Schietekat 70 71, Haydn Porteous 73 68, Karabo Mokoena 71 70, Hennie Otto 68 73, Martin Vorster 66 75, Dylan Frittelli 73 68, Michael Hollick 71 70, Jaco Prinsloo 68 73

142 - JJ Senekal 70 72, Keenan Davidse 72 70, Stephen Ferreira 71 71, Luis Carrera 72 70, Kieron van Wyk 69 73, Ryan van der Klis 72 70, Herman Loubser 73 69, Luke Brown 69 73, Louis Albertse 67 75, Gerhard Pepler 70 72, Lyle Rowe 69 73

143 - Allen John 71 72, Jacques P de Villiers 72 71, Keelan van Wyk 72 71, Samuel Simpson 74 69, Keagan Thomas 71 72, Keanu Pestana 75 68, Hayden Griffiths 71 72, Kyle McClatchie 68 75, Matthew Spacey 67 76, Otto Van Buynder 70 73

Missed the cut:-

144 - Jean Hugo 76 68, Nikhil Rama 71 73, Rhys West 72 72, Ruan Korb 71 73, Jacquin Hess 71 73, Christian Kriek 73 71, Tumelo Molloyi 69 75, Hennie O'Kennedy 76 68, Peter Karmis 73 71, Ethan Smith 71 73, Joe Long 70 74, Ricky Hendler 71 73, Luke Jerling 67 77, Jordan Burnand 69 75, Gregory Mckay 70 74, Quintin Wilsnach 70 74

145 - Leon Vorster 72 73, MJ Viljoen 73 72, Franklin Manchest 71 74, Brandon Meads 77 68, Toto Thimba Jnr 71 74, Wynand Dingle 71 74, Rowan Lester 71 74, Anthony Michael 72 73, Stals Swart 68 77

146 - Makhetha Mazibuko 76 70, Albert Venter 69 77, Jacques Blaauw 74 72, Dylan Mostert 72 74, Yurav Premlall 74 72, Musiwalo Nethunzwi 73 73, George Coetzee 74 72, Conner Mackenzie 74 72, Werner Deyzel 72 74

147 - Zachary Chegwidden 74 73, Christiaan Basson 75 72, Estiaan Conradie 73 74, Siyanda Mwandla 73 74, Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa 74 73, Ross Wellington 73 74, Liam Grehan 74 73

148 - Xander Basson 73 75, Altin van der Merwe 71 77, Stuart Krog 71 77, Jean-Paul Strydom 72 76, Malcolm Mitchell 71 77, Kian Rose 73 75

149 - Keelan Africa 75 74, Callum Mowat 78 71, Robson Chinhoi 75 74, Jack Hawksby 76 73, Rourke van der Spuy 73 76, Tristen Strydom 72 77, Ruan de Smidt 74 75, Nick Cunningham 74 75

150 - Danie Van Niekerk 73 77, Ronald Rugumayo 74 76, Luca Filippi 74 76

151 - Tyron Davidowitz 79 72, Marcus Sandile Taylor 78 73, Ruan Conradie 77 74, Slenda Sithebe 75 76, Slade Pickering 70 81, Khanya Mkhize 77 74, Simon du Plooy 73 78, Joe Knox 74 77

152 - Jason Broomhead 76 76, Eric Wowor 79 73, Trevor Mahoney 75 77, Paul Boshoff 77 75

153 - Thabiso Ngcobo 75 78, Shaunak Rama 77 76, Luke Mayo 72 81, Kayle Wykes 76 77, Ruan Groenewald 81 72

154 - Nyasha Muyambo 78 76

155 - Tomas Gana 78 77, Sentanio Minnie 81 74, Jastice Mashego 75 80, James Pennington 78 77

156 - Marcel Steyn Scholtz 78 78

157 - Harry Konig 75 82, Mark Maart 75 82, Tristin Galant 71 86

159 - Jordan Duminy 83 76, Umar Davids 80 79

162 - Merrick Bremner 81 81, Jake Redman 83 79

163 - Mandla Dlamini Jnr 78 85

WDN - Allister de Kock 80 WDN, Thanda Mavundla 85 WDN

Multiple Sunshine Tour champion, Benjamin Follett-Smith from Zimbabwe, and his namesake from South Africa, Benjamin Van Wyk, both opened with 65s during Thursday’s first round of the Fortress Invitational at Glendower Golf Club to share the lead on seven under par.

Follett-Smith’s round included two eagles and four birdies, with one unfortunate drop on the par-four 18th hole.

Van Wyk’s round was highlighted by eight birdies and only one drop on the par-four seventh hole.

“I was hitting the ball very well from tee to green and I capitalised with my putting which was very good. I kept the momentum going, especially when I missed the green,” said Van Wyk.

Van Wyk has been working on improving his game between tournaments, and the effort has been rewarded with two recent top-10 finishes.

“I am feeling very good about my game. I have been working on my swing so it’s good to see some consistency where I can just rely on my putting,” Van Wyk added.

One shot back is a four-way share of second place on six under par with Martin Voster, Tyran Snyders, Daniel van Tonder and Warwick Purchase all scoring 66 for their first round.

SCORES

65 - Benjamin Follett-Smith, Benjamin Van Wyk

66 - Martin Vorster, Tyran Snyders, Daniel van Tonder, Warwick Purchase

67 - Jason Roets, Louis Albertse, Luke Jerling, Deon Germishuys, Matthew Spacey

68 - CJ du Plessis, Justin Walters, Kyle McClatchie, Jonathan Broomhead, Christiaan Burke, Pieter Moolman, Jaco Prinsloo, Stals Swart, Hennie Otto, Tyrone Ryan

69 - Tumelo Molloyi, Luke Brown, Rhys Enoch, Lyle Rowe, Keegan Mclachlan, Jordan Burnand, Albert Venter, James Mack, Kyle Barker, Heinrich Bruiners, Kyle De Beer, Kieron van Wyk, Mikkel Antonsen

70 - Joe Long, Gerhard Pepler, Pierre Viallaneix, Gregory Mckay, Quintin Wilsnach, Otto Van Buynder, JJ Senekal, Neil Schietekat, Slade Pickering, Thomas Spreadborough

71 - Altin van der Merwe, Toto Thimba Jnr, Stuart Krog, Tristin Galant, Ethan Smith, Wynand Dingle, Ricky Hendler, Rowan Lester, Hayden Griffiths, Malcolm Mitchell, Michael Hollick, Allen John, Trevor Fisher Jnr, Nikhil Rama, Ruan Korb, Stephen Ferreira, Jacquin Hess, Keagan Thomas, Karabo Mokoena, Franklin Manchest

72 - Luke Mayo, Jean-Paul Strydom, Anthony Michael, Tristen Strydom, Werner Deyzel, Leon Vorster, Jacques P de Villiers, Keelan van Wyk, Graham van der Merwe, Rhys West, Keenan Davidse, Luis Carrera, Dylan Mostert, Rupert Kaminski, Ulrich van den Berg, Ryan van der Klis

73 - Simon du Plooy, Musiwalo Nethunzwi, Peter Karmis, Rourke van der Spuy, Dylan Frittelli, Herman Loubser, Kian Rose, Estiaan Conradie, Xander Basson, MJ Viljoen, Haydn Porteous, Danie Van Niekerk, Siyanda Mwandla, Christian Kriek, Ross Wellington

74 - Liam Grehan, George Coetzee, Luca Filippi, Conner Mackenzie, Ruan de Smidt, Joe Knox, Nick Cunningham, Zachary Chegwidden, Jacques Blaauw, Samuel Simpson, Yurav Premlall, Ronald Rugumayo, Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa

75 - Harry Konig, Mark Maart, Jastice Mashego, Trevor Mahoney, Thabiso Ngcobo, Keelan Africa, Christiaan Basson, Robson Chinhoi, Keanu Pestana, Slenda Sithebe

76 - Hennie O'Kennedy, Jack Hawksby, Kayle Wykes, Jason Broomhead, Makhetha Mazibuko, Jean Hugo

77 - Khanya Mkhize, Shaunak Rama, Paul Boshoff, Ruan Conradie, Brandon Meads

78 - James Pennington, Marcel Steyn Scholtz, Mandla Dlamini Jnr, Nyasha Muyambo, Tomas Gana, Marcus Sandile Taylor, Callum Mowat

79 - Tyron Davidowitz, Eric Wowor

80 - Umar Davids, Allister de Kock

81 - Ruan Groenewald, Merrick Bremner, Sentanio Minnie

83 - Jordan Duminy, Jake Redman

85 - Thanda Mavundla

Pieter Moolman claimed his fourth Sunshine Tour title with a two-shot victory in the Limpopo Championship at the Euphoria Golf & Lifestyle Estate on Sunday.

 

Pieter Moolman wins the 2025 Limpopo Championship. 🏆#LimpopoChamps pic.twitter.com/JFWNi3Vxat

— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) October 12, 2025

 

Moolman, who ended his third round with two bogeys for joint second place, also had a tough start to his fourth round with two more bogeys within his first four holes. But he made up for this as he went through his next 12 holes in eight under par for a final round of 66 and a winning total of 12 under par.

“At least I didn’t finish like I did yesterday, but I am very happy with how I played the back nine. It is a tough course with some tricky flags,” Moolman said.

After losing out on the Sunbet Challenge Sun Sibaya title in a playoff two weeks ago, Moolman was happy to get the win this time.

 

The moment Pieter Moolman won his fourth Sunshine Tour title. 🏆🏆🏆🏆#LimpopoChamps pic.twitter.com/xJgIdjTcUo

— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) October 12, 2025

 

“I have been knocking, but it feels amazing to actually pull it through without a playoff this time. I am very happy about it,” Moolman added.

Rupert Kaminski, who led by four strokes going into the final round, struggled to a closing 73 for joint second place on 10 under par alongside Kyle de Beer (67) and Altin van der Merwe (69).

SCORES

276 - Pieter Moolman 72 71 67 66

278 - Kyle De Beer 70 71 70 67, Altin van der Merwe 68 71 70 69, Rupert Kaminski 68 71 66 73

279 - Matthew Spacey 69 69 73 68

280 - James Mack 69 71 71 69

282 - Deon Germishuys 69 73 69 71, MJ Viljoen 71 68 71 72

283 - Benjamin Van Wyk 72 66 75 70, Luis Carrera 70 69 71 73

284 - Kieron van Wyk 68 74 73 69, Daniel van Tonder 72 71 70 71, Haydn Porteous 74 69 70 71, Christiaan Burke 73 70 70 71, Keagan Thomas 72 71 73 68, Jason Roets 71 68 73 72

285 - Ethan Smith 70 70 73 72

286 - Stephen Ferreira 70 71 73 72, Paul Boshoff 77 67 70 72, Graham van der Merwe 69 74 72 71, Keenan Davidse 73 69 73 71, Karabo Mokoena 71 70 71 74, Jean Hugo 70 72 75 69, Tyran Snyders 71 72 68 75

287 - Rhys West 69 74 72 72, Jack Hawksby 70 72 71 74, Rowan Lester 73 71 71 72, Stuart Krog 75 68 70 74, Peter Karmis 72 67 76 72, Thabiso Ngcobo 73 70 74 70

288 - Keelan van Wyk 67 75 72 74, Toto Thimba Jnr 76 67 70 75, Travis Procter 73 71 71 73, Nikhil Rama 72 71 74 71, Jordan Burnand 75 69 73 71

289 - Herman Loubser 73 70 71 75, Thomas Spreadborough 75 66 74 74, Zachary Chegwidden 69 75 72 73, Ronald Rugumayo 73 71 73 72, Ruan Conradie 71 72 75 71

290 - Robson Chinhoi 69 74 71 76, Dian Kruger 72 71 71 76, Hennie O'Kennedy 72 71 75 72

291 - Quintin Wilsnach 71 69 77 74

292 - Leon Vorster 75 67 73 77, Stals Swart 73 71 74 74

294 - Keanu Pestana 74 70 76 74

295 - Dylan Mostert 72 71 75 77

297 - Slade Pickering 73 71 73 80

298 - Slenda Sithebe 73 71 73 81

300 - Ruan Groenewald 75 69 79 77

Missed the cut:-

145 - Joe Knox 69 76, Joe Long 74 71, Ricky Hendler 73 72, Kyle McClatchie 74 71, Martin Vorster 72 73, Anthony Michael 75 70, Gerhard Pepler 75 70, Christian Kriek 74 71, Jaco Prinsloo 72 73, Xander Basson 74 71

146 - Otto Van Buynder 72 74, Jonathan Ackerman 70 76, Jean-Paul Strydom 72 74, Luke Brown 72 74, Trevor Fisher Jnr 75 71, Doug McGuigan 73 73, Musiwalo Nethunzwi 72 74, Kyle Barker 72 74, Jacques P de Villiers 74 72, Albert Venter 70 76, Jason Broomhead 75 71

147 - Liam Grehan 73 74, Lyle Rowe 75 72, Kian Rose 72 75, Wynand Dingle 71 76, Hennie Otto 75 72, Hayden Griffiths 73 74, Heinrich Bruiners 72 75, Ruan Korb 76 71, Jacques Blaauw 73 74, Luca Filippi 74 73, Samuel Simpson 73 74

148 - Wade Jacobs 76 72, Keegan Mclachlan 73 75, Ruan de Smidt 74 74, Gregory Mckay 79 69, Allen John 69 79, Tomas Gana 78 70, Warwick Purchase 77 71

149 - Rourke van der Spuy 74 75, Danie Van Niekerk 73 76, Simon du Plooy 73 76, Jaden Deltel 73 76, Neil Schietekat 73 76, Marcus Sandile Taylor 73 76, Makhetha Mazibuko 75 74, Nyasha Muyambo 76 73

150 - Lwazi Gqira 74 76, Jake Redman 73 77, Nick Cunningham 75 75, Franklin Manchest 74 76, Eric Wowor 76 74, Mikkel Antonsen 74 76, Tyrone Ryan 78 72

151 - Tumelo Molloyi 73 78, Tyron Davidowitz 74 77, Ryan van der Klis 72 79, Werner Deyzel 78 73

152 - Jastice Mashego 78 74, Luke Mayo 76 76, James Pennington 76 76, Devon Valentine 73 79

153 - Tristen Strydom 74 79, Allister de Kock 76 77

154 - Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa 76 78

155 - Marcel Steyn Scholtz 79 76

156 - Joe Sullivan 77 79, Brandon Meads 79 77

158 - Umar Davids 77 81, Malcolm Mitchell 79 79, Mandla Dlamini Jnr 80 78

160 - Jordan Duminy 79 81, Alphius Kelapile 79 81

Rupert Kaminski is yet to finish his round, but ended Saturday’s incomplete third round in a commanding lead on 11-under par, as play was again suspended at the Limpopo Championship played on the Euphoria Golf & Lifestyle Estate.

Kaminski started the third round one shot behind the joint leaders, but made a strong run on the front-nine, rolling in three birdies and an eagle, turning in 31 strokes. Another birdie followed on the par-four 14th hole, for a flawless round of six-under par, with two more holes still to be played on Sunday morning.

Looking for his second Sunshine Tour victory after clinching the South African PGA Championship in 2023, Kaminski is in a commanding position, five shots clear of fellow South Africans Pieter Moolman (67), who managed to complete his third round, as well as MJ Viljoen and the joint second-round leader, Matthew Spacey, with both still to finish their respective third rounds.

Round three will resume on Sunday morning at 06h40.

SCORES (INCOMPLETE ROUND)

-11 - Rupert Kaminski 68 71 (-6) [16]

-6 - Pieter Moolman 72 71 67, MJ Viljoen 71 68 (-1) [16], Matthew Spacey 69 69 (Par) [13]

-5 - Deon Germishuys 69 73 69, Kyle De Beer 70 71 (-2) [17], James Mack 69 71 (-1) [16], Altin van der Merwe 68 71 (Par) [15], Luis Carrera 70 69 (Par) [15]

-4 - Karabo Mokoena 71 70 (-1) [17], Peter Karmis 72 67 (+1) [14], Jason Roets 71 68 (+1) [13], Benjamin Van Wyk 72 66 (+2) [13]

-3 - Stuart Krog 75 68 70, Toto Thimba Jnr 76 67 70, Christiaan Burke 73 70 70, Haydn Porteous 74 69 70, Daniel van Tonder 72 71 70, Jack Hawksby 70 72 71, Ethan Smith 70 70 (+1) [16]

-2 - Dian Kruger 72 71 71, Robson Chinhoi 69 74 71, Keelan van Wyk 67 75 72, Herman Loubser 73 70 71, Stephen Ferreira 70 71 (+1) [17], Tyran Snyders 71 72 (-1) [17], Rowan Lester 73 71 (-2) [17]

-1 - Graham van der Merwe 69 74 72, Rhys West 69 74 72, Kieron van Wyk 68 74 73, Leon Vorster 75 67 73, Keenan Davidse 73 69 73, Stals Swart 73 71 (-1) [17], Thomas Spreadborough 75 66 (+2) [16], Paul Boshoff 77 67 (-1) [16], Travis Procter 73 71 (-1) [15], Slade Pickering 73 71 (-1) [14]

Par - Keagan Thomas 72 71 73, Quintin Wilsnach 71 69 (+4) [16], Jordan Burnand 75 69 (Par) [16], Ronald Rugumayo 73 71 (Par) [14]

+1 - Nikhil Rama 72 71 74, Jean Hugo 70 72 75, Thabiso Ngcobo 73 70 74, Zachary Chegwidden 69 75 (+1) [15]

+2 - Dylan Mostert 72 71 75, Hennie O'Kennedy 72 71 75, Ruan Conradie 71 72 75, Slenda Sithebe 73 71 (+2) [15], Keanu Pestana 74 70 (+2) [14]

+7 - Ruan Groenewald 75 69 (+7) [16]

Matthew Spacey and Benjamin van Wyk hold the clubhouse lead on six under par in the incomplete second round of the Limpopo Championship at the Euphoria Golf & Lifestyle Estate.

With the opening round only completed on Friday morning because of a weather delay, Spacey (69) and Van Wyk (66) managed to also finish their respective second rounds to end the day in the joint lead and with both searching for a maiden Sunshine Tour victory.

For Spacey, the day was important in terms of his confidence.

“It’s been a nice thing coming. I have been struggling the last few events. I have been working hard with my coach and not seeing the results, but I started to gain a bit of confidence, which is nice. I have been really hitting it pretty solid and added a new putter in the bag last week. Everything is starting to come together,” he said.

With play suspended early on the opening day, it was a long second day for the field.

“It was tough playing 29 holes today. It’s a very long walk, so I am going to need a rest tonight,” Spacey said.

Looking ahead to the weekend, Spacey said he wants to put a disappointing season behind him and just focus on his own game.

“I will keep things the same with good routine and not push, because when I push I struggle. My season hasn’t been great this year, so it’s nice to see some good things coming out of it.”

The duo are currently one stroke clear of Luis Carrera, Jason Roets and Altin van der Merwe who also all completed their second rounds. The second round will resume at 7.30am on Saturday morning.

SCORES (INCOMPLETE ROUND)

-6 - Matthew Spacey 69 69, Benjamin Van Wyk 72 66

-5 - Jason Roets 71 68, Luis Carrera 70 69, Altin van der Merwe 68 71, Peter Karmis 72 67, Kieron van Wyk 68 (-1) [9], Rupert Kaminski 68 (-1) [6], Keelan van Wyk 67 (Par) [6]

-4 - Ethan Smith 70 70, Quintin Wilsnach 71 69, Karabo Mokoena 71 (-3) [9], Robson Chinhoi 69 (-1) [6]

-3 - Thomas Spreadborough 75 66, Kyle De Beer 70 71, Jean Hugo 70 (-1) [6], Rhys West 69 (Par) [6], Albert Venter 70 (-1) [3]

-2 - Deon Germishuys 69 73, Keenan Davidse 73 69, Jack Hawksby 70 72, Zachary Chegwidden 69 (+1) [9], Graham van der Merwe 69 (+1) [9], MJ Viljoen 71 (-1) [6], Kyle Barker 72 (-2) [6]

-1 - Christiaan Burke 73 70, Toto Thimba Jnr 76 67, Stuart Krog 75 68, Stephen Ferreira 70 (+1) [6], Hennie O'Kennedy 72 (-1) [3], Ruan Conradie 71 (Par) [3], Slade Pickering 73 (-2) [3], James Mack 69 (+2) [3], Tyran Snyders 71 (Par) [3]

Par - Stals Swart 73 71, Rowan Lester 73 71, Ruan Groenewald 75 69, Paul Boshoff 77 67, Jordan Burnand 75 69, Travis Procter 73 71, Dian Kruger 72 (Par) [9], Slenda Sithebe 73 (-1) [9], Heinrich Bruiners 72 (Par) [6], Pieter Moolman 72 (Par) [6], Nikhil Rama 72 (Par) [6], Keagan Thomas 72 (Par) [6], Daniel van Tonder 72 (Par) [6], Dylan Mostert 72 (Par) [3], Herman Loubser 73 (-1) [3], Thabiso Ngcobo 73 (-1) [3]

+1 - Joe Knox 69 76, Joe Long 74 71, Ricky Hendler 73 72, Kyle McClatchie 74 71, Martin Vorster 72 73, Anthony Michael 75 70, Allen John 69 (+4) [12], Ronald Rugumayo 73 (Par) [6], Luca Filippi 74 (-1) [6], Gerhard Pepler 75 (-2) [6], Musiwalo Nethunzwi 72 (+1) [6], Jaco Prinsloo 72 (+1) [3]

MISSED THE CUT:-

+2 - Otto Van Buynder 72 74, Jonathan Ackerman 70 76, Jean-Paul Strydom 72 74, Luke Brown 72 74, Trevor Fisher Jnr 75 71, Tyron Davidowitz 74 (Par) [9], Doug McGuigan 73 (+1) [6], Leon Vorster 75 (-1) [6], Haydn Porteous 74 (Par) [6], Jacques P de Villiers 74 (Par) [3], Christian Kriek 74 (Par) [3], Xander Basson 74 (Par) [3]

+3 - Liam Grehan 73 74, Lyle Rowe 75 72, Kian Rose 72 75, Wynand Dingle 71 76, Hennie Otto 75 72, Hayden Griffiths 73 74, Marcus Sandile Taylor 73 (+2) [6], Allister de Kock 76 (-1) [3], Keanu Pestana 74 (+1) [3], Warwick Purchase 77 (-2) [3]

+4 - Wade Jacobs 76 72, Keegan Mclachlan 73 75, Ruan de Smidt 74 74, Gregory Mckay 79 69, Mikkel Antonsen 74 (+2) [9], Ryan van der Klis 72 (+4) [9], Ruan Korb 76 (Par) [6], Neil Schietekat 73 (+3) [6], Jacques Blaauw 73 (+3) [6], Joe Sullivan 77 (-1) [6], Samuel Simpson 73 (+3) [6], Makhetha Mazibuko 75 (+1) [3], Jason Broomhead 75 (+1) [3]

+5 - Rourke van der Spuy 74 75, Danie Van Niekerk 73 76, Simon du Plooy 73 76, Eric Wowor 76 (+1) [9], Tomas Gana 78 (-1) [9], Jaden Deltel 73 (+4) [9], Nyasha Muyambo 76 (+1) [3]

+6 - Lwazi Gqira 74 76, Jake Redman 73 77, Nick Cunningham 75 75, Franklin Manchest 74 (+4) [9], Tyrone Ryan 78 (Par) [6], Brandon Meads 79 (-1) [3]

+7 - Tumelo Molloyi 73 78, Devon Valentine 73 (+6) [9], Werner Deyzel 78 (+1) [3]

+8 - Jastice Mashego 78 74, Luke Mayo 76 76, James Pennington 76 76, Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa 76 (+4) [9]

+9 - Tristen Strydom 74 79

+11 - Marcel Steyn Scholtz 79 76

+14 - Umar Davids 77 81, Malcolm Mitchell 79 79

+15 - Mandla Dlamini Jnr 80 (+7) [12]

+16 - Jordan Duminy 79 81, Alphius Kelapile 79 81

Keelan van Wyk outscored his younger brother Kieron by one stroke to take the clubhouse lead on five under par in Thursday’s incomplete opening round of the Limpopo Championship at the Euphoria Golf & Lifestyle Estate.

Older brother Keelan’s opening round was bogey-free and earned him a one-stroke lead over his sibling Kieron, as well as Rupert Kaminski, who is fresh from competing in last week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.

Play was suspended in the early afternoon due to lightning storms, and then eventually called off for the day at just after 4pm. The first round will resume at 7:15am on Friday, with the second round scheduled to start at 10am.

It was a strong start from both the Van Wyk brothers.

Kieron is in his rookie season as a professional and is making his debut in the Limpopo Championship following a glittering amateur career on the US College golf circuit, which saw him become the first Black golfer to win the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) individual conference title in 2022. He also finished tied fourth in the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open in March while still an amateur.

Defending champion Deon Germishuys completed the first three holes of his opening round and was one under par when play was suspended.

SCORES

-5 - Keelan van Wyk

-4 - Kieron van Wyk, Rupert Kaminski

-3 - Allen John, Zachary Chegwidden, Graham van der Merwe, Rhys West, Robson Chinhoi, James Mack, Joe Knox [6]

 -2 - Jean Hugo, Stephen Ferreira, Albert Venter, Jason Roets [6], Rowan Lester [3], Tristen Strydom [3]
-1 - Karabo Mokoena, MJ Viljoen, Ruan Conradie, Tyran Snyders, Lwazi Gqira [6], Joe Long [6], Jake Redman [6], Matthew Spacey [3], Deon Germishuys [3], Keenan Davidse [3], Wynand Dingle [3], Altin van der Merwe [3], Hennie Otto [3], Jack Hawksby [3] Par - Dian Kruger, Heinrich Bruiners, Ryan van der Klis, Pieter Moolman, Nikhil Rama, Keagan Thomas, Kyle Barker, Musiwalo Nethunzwi, Daniel van Tonder, Jaco Prinsloo, Dylan Mostert, Hennie O'Kennedy, Thabiso Ngcobo [15], Jastice Mashego [6], Keegan Mclachlan [6], Christiaan Burke [6], Jean-Paul Strydom [6], Ricky Hendler [3], Jonathan Ackerman [3], Kian Rose [3], Luke Brown [3], Toto Thimba Jnr [3], Malcolm Mitchell [3], Trevor Fisher Jnr [3], Kyle McClatchie [3], Rourke van der Spuy [3], Tumelo Molloyi [3], Ruan de Smidt [3]

+1 - Devon Valentine, Jaden Deltel, Slenda Sithebe, Doug McGuigan, Ronald Rugumayo, Marcus Sandile Taylor, Neil Schietekat, Jacques Blaauw, Samuel Simpson, Herman Loubser, Slade Pickering [15], Stals Swart [6], Wade Jacobs [3], Liam Grehan [3], Luke Mayo [3], Thomas Spreadborough [3], Benjamin Van Wyk [3], Luis Carrera [3], Ruan Groenewald [3], Alphius Kelapile [3], Paul Boshoff [3]

+2 - Tyron Davidowitz, Franklin Manchest, Mikkel Antonsen, Luca Filippi, Haydn Porteous, Jacques P de Villiers, Christian Kriek, Keanu Pestana, Xander Basson, Nyasha Muyambo [15], James Pennington [3]

+3 - Leon Vorster, Gerhard Pepler, Makhetha Mazibuko, Jason Broomhead, Otto Van Buynder [6], Lyle Rowe [6]

+4 - Eric Wowor, Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa, Ruan Korb, Allister de Kock, Warwick Purchase [15], Jordan Duminy [6], Umar Davids [6]

+5 - Joe Sullivan

+6 - Tomas Gana, Tyrone Ryan

+7 - Brandon Meads [15], Werner Deyzel [15]

+8 - Mandla Dlamini Jnr

South African senior professional golf has entered a bold era with the launch of the Sunshine Legends Tour and including a new brand identity, a new board and players' committee, and an official partner in Srixon.

The Sunshine Legends Tour has announced its clear vision to create a sustainable and thriving circuit for the country’s senior professionals, including working closely with the Legends Tour in Europe on possible future tournament collaborations.

The Tour has also announced that the South African Senior Open hosted by James Kingston will be one of its flagship events to be played at Plettenberg Golf Club from 10-12 December, 2025, as well as a new 72-hole pro-am tournament – the Winelands Classic – to be played in both Robertson and Worcester in early November.

Ian Smith, the Commissioner of the Sunshine Legends Tour, said this is the first step in a broad plan to reinvigorate senior professional golf in South Africa.

“The Sunshine Legends Tour is about legacy and heritage. It’s about celebrating the golfers who were all household names in this country, and who through their incredible achievements created the stories golf fans still tell to this day, and which is a valuable part of the history of South African golf. It’s a proud moment for us to launch this new era in the senior game, and we’re thankful to Srixon South Africa for being our partner in this.

“Our Board is hard at work on a 2026 schedule that will also showcase a wide range of new sponsors and Tour partners.”

Louise Cooper, Managing Director of Srixon South Africa, said she was thrilled to be a part of this dynamic partnership, which marks a significant milestone in supporting these legends of the game.

“We are absolutely excited to team up with the new era of Board members and create some magic for the Sunshine Legends Tour,” said Cooper.

Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour, said this was a significant moment for the Sunshine Legends Tour.

“We wish the Sunshine Legends Tour all of the best as it starts its own journey to becoming a fully independent and sustainable Tour, and led by a passionate Board that has the interests of senior professional golf at heart and wants to see this area of the game flourish.”

On behalf of the professionals, Kingston, a winner of 22 tournaments worldwide and part of a rare club of golfers to have won both the South African Open and the South African Senior Open, said this represents an exciting new era for the senior game in Africa.

“I feel very proud, together with so many of my fellow professionals, to have contributed to the growth of South African golf through our careers. I turned professional in 1989, which is a lifetime ago. I won my first tournament in Polokwane and my first-place cheque was R4 000. It was one of the greatest moments of my career to win the South African Open in 2007 against some of the best players in the world, and then to also win the South African Senior Open was just as special.

“The Sunshine Legends Tour will hopefully be a worthy platform to pay tribute to all of the wonderful careers that have helped to shape South African golf and allow our senior professionals to play more regularly and compete in proper tournaments,” he said.

As the host of the South African Senior Open, Kingston said he hopes the tournament will also shine a light on Plettenberg Bay Golf Club and the local community.

“Plettenberg Bay Golf Club is really one of those hidden gems of South African golf and one of the most beautiful courses on the Garden Route. I think that’s why I wanted to get involved in this. It’s about building something special that can also mean something for the local community in Plettenberg Bay.”