TOP OF THEIR GAME

South Africa has a long history of being blessed with an abundance of top-class golfers, from club level through to the professional ranks. Not only do they perform brilliantly on the course, but they have also continuously been fantastic ambassadors for the country and the sport.

Our cover star, Paula Reto, has been the embodiment of this throughout her career, which has spanned 10 years on the LPGA Tour and included Sunshine Ladies Tour wins and two Olympic Games appearances. The 34-year-old shares how she has rebuilt her game to ensure she can continue to play on the Tour for as long as possible.

One of the many reasons for the conveyor belt of champions we have produced is the world-class systems we have developed to assist players to graduate from the amateur to the pro ranks and continue to succeed.

Former GolfRSA National Squad member and SA Amateur winner Kyle de Beer is just one example of this. This month’s Rising Star explains how he has embraced the step up to the Sunshine Tour as he continues to lead the Fortress Rookie of the Year race.

This month’s GolfRSA Squad Watch focuses on how Astin Wade Arthur celebrated his induction into the 2024-25 GolfRSA National Squad with another trophy finish, at the Southern Cape Amateur Open. The 20-year-old has shown time and again why he is undoubtedly a player to watch.

Someone who has kept golf fans entertained over the years is Danie van Tonder, who returned from a break in the game to record two Sunshine Tour victories in only a month. The Serengeti Estates golfer tells us how his renewed perspective has had a positive impact on his overall game.

We also take you on a journey to the magnificent Ernie Els-designed Highland Gate Golf and Trout Estate near Dullstroom, while Grant Hepburn continues his Instruction series, where you are sure to pick up a valuable tip or two.

There’s so much more for you to enjoy in this issue, including the GolfRSA Race to the R&A 9 Hole Challenge National Final winners’ account of their unforgettable trip to Royal Troon and Gary Lemke’s inside look at the incredible Olympic Games in Paris. There’s also our regular Gallery, where we celebrate the AIG Women’s Open champion, Lydia Ko, and top SA finisher, Casandra Alexander.

Plus, don’t forget to enter the Louis57 and Cleveland Golf competitions where fantastic prizes are up for grabs!

The Golf Mag considers it a privilege to continue giving coverage to South Africa’s golfers and sharing their stories with you. We hope you get as much joy from them as we do!

Philippa Byron

Editor

IMAGE: CHRIS CONDON/PGA TOUR/IGF