LATEST FROM THE FIELD

Van Velzen qualifies for Nedbank Golf Challenge

Ryan van Velzen will make his debut at the DP World Tour’s Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City from 5-8 December 2024, as the face of a new generation of young South African professionals seeking to make their mark at “Africa’s Major”. Van Velzen secured his place in a stellar international field for this year’s event thanks to a groundbreaking performance on the Sunshine Tour last season where he was crowned the winner of the overall Order of Merit delivered by The Courier Guy.

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER REIGNS SUPREME

Scottie Scheffler capped off the biggest year in golf in nearly two decades by winning the sport's biggest prize. Challenged briefly on the final day in the Tour Championship, the world No 1 responded with three straight birdies to make winning look as inevitable as it has seemed all year. He closed with a four-under 67 for a four-shot victory over Collin Morikawa to capture the FedExCup and its $25-million prize, the richest in golf. That pushed his season earnings, including bonuses, to just under $62.3-million.

SA Open returns to revamped Durban Country Club

South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious championship returns to one of its most historic venues – Durban Country Club – in 2025, with the Investec South African Open defending champion Dean Burmester headlining the field from 27 February to 2 March. The championship is returning to Durban Country Club for the first time since 2010 when Ernie Els won his fifth national Open. The course has undergone a significant renovation, with the redesign of several holes presenting a layout that has been upgraded and strengthened for its hosting of the national championship.

Play Royal Portrush before the Pros

Imagine walking the historic fairways of Royal Portrush Golf Club – the same course where legends and global stars of the game have competed. For two lucky South African amateurs, that dream will become a reality with the third GolfRSA Race to The R&A 9 Hole Challenge. The SA pair will tee it up at the 2025 R&A 9 Hole Challenge along with the winning teams from Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales. Besides the honour of flying the flag for South Africa at the 9-hole net Stableford scoring competition before the 153rd Open Championship in Northern Ireland from 17-20 July, they will also earn the opportunity to watch the world’s best golfers in action at The Open. Click below for more information on how to sign up for the 2025 GolfRSA Race to The R&A 9 Hole Challenge:

GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND WIN CURTIS CUP

Great Britain and Ireland produced a magnificent display to secure the Curtis Cup for the first time since 2016, completing a 10.5-9.5 win over the United States of America in glorious sunshine at Sunningdale at the beginning of September. Singles victories for the undefeated Sara Byrne, Patience Rhodes and Lorna McClymont, together with a vital half-point from Mimi Rhodes, ensured the hosts converted a 7-5 overnight advantage into a thrilling triumph, delighting a record crowd that included European Ryder Cup hero Justin Rose.

Flying the flag in Finland

Five of South Africa’s leading university students represented the country at the 2024 FISU World University Championship Golf, held in Finland in August. GolfRSA National Squad member JP van der Watt and South African Golf Development Board graduate Crystal Beukes made their second appearance, having represented South Africa at the 2022 edition in Italy, while Wiehan van der Walt, Tiaan Tibshraeny and Anita Chen made their debut in the world-class biennial event.

Daisies and Limpopo victorious at Irene

Gauteng North made the most of their home-course advantage to sweep to an undefeated victory in the Championship Division at the 2024 South African Mid-Amateur Inter-Provincial, while Limpopo lifted the Silver Division trophy for the first time in 30 years at Irene Country Club. Check out the highlights here:

CMASA Ideas Fair Winners announced

Congratulations to San Lameer Country Club, winners of the ABSA Ideas Fair competition, which was held during the 2024 Club Management Association of Southern Africa (CMASA) Conference at Fancourt. The event was filled with innovative ideas and inspiring discussions that are set to transform the club industry, while CMASA’s intent on reshaping the future of the club industry was reinforced by the ABSA Ideas Fair.

All delegates at the conference were encouraged to vote for the 23 entries, and it was San Lameer who blew away the opposition with their Drone Drops concept. Kloof Country Club was second, with The Bryanston Country Club coming third.

“Drone technology is evolving rapidly, and we wanted to do something fun for our golfers out on the course,” says San Lameer general manager, Pierre van Vuuren.

“Drones come with a mechanism that can drop items from the air on to the course. During our men`s 4x4 team challenge, we would fly the drone out on to the course and drop shooters for the golfers. It was so much fun to see the golfers' reactions as they did not know where the drone was coming from and it created some ‘wow’ moments for our golfers.

“It was pleasing to see how they were quick to take videos and pictures of the drone flying in. This allowed us to drop gifts sponsored by a supplier and drinks to the group. It not only helped our bar sales, but it also added a new aspect to a wonderful event. It is important to embrace technology, and this is just a glimpse of what can come in the future.”

Keep pushing the boundaries and driving positive change in the golf industry!

Quartet ready for Royal County Down test

PGA Tour winners Aaron Rai and Erik van Rooyen are set to tee it up at the Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down from 12-15 September. They will be joined by European stars Thomas Detry and Rasmus Højgaard, who will line up alongside brother Nicolai in the field at Royal County Down. South Africa’s Van Rooyen will be competing at his fourth Amgen Irish Open, with his best finish of tie-4th coming at the 2018 edition held at Ballyliffin GC.

IMAGES: GOLFRSA/TOM DULAT/R&A/R&A VIA GETTY IMAGES/ERIK S LESSER/EPA/BACKPAGEPIX/TYRONE WINFIELD/SUNSHINE TOUR/SUPPLIED/GETTY IMAGES/DP WORLD TOUR