For over a century, the South African Open has been the crown jewel of the Sunshine Tour. But as the 115th edition arrives at Stellenbosch Golf Club (February 26 – March 1, 2026), the stakes have undergone a historic shift. For the first time in the tournament’s history, the winner will receive a direct invitation to The Masters at Augusta National this April. This new “Pathway to Augusta” has transformed the world’s second-oldest national open into one of the most high-pressure qualification shootouts on the global calendar.
International Heavyweights and Global Ambitions
The international field is headlined by 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed. Currently ranked World No. 18, Reed arrives in the Western Cape as the most dominant force on the DP World Tour this season, boasting two victories and a runner-up finish in early 2026.
Leading both the Race to Dubai and the International Swing, the American star is aiming to become the first golfer from the United States to lift the trophy since Fred Wadsworth in 1989. Reed is joined by a strong DP World Tour contingent, including Germany’s Freddy Schott, who famously bested Reed in a dramatic three-way playoff in Bahrain just weeks ago. They are all vying for the three available spots in the field for The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale.
The Home Guard: Champions and Local Legends
Standing in the way of an international takeover is a formidable local “Home Guard” led by veteran stars Branden Grace and Charl Schwartzel. Both players arrive in peak form from the LIV Golf circuit, representing the all-South African Southern Guards GC. Grace, the 2020 champion, has been remarkably consistent this month with top-10 finishes in Riyadh and Adelaide. For Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion, this week is personal; despite his major pedigree and six top-five finishes in this event since 2011, the South African Open remains the one significant title missing from his resume.
The local challenge is further bolstered by five-time winner Ernie Els and the defending champion Dylan Naidoo, who secured his maiden DP World Tour title last year at Durban Country Club. Alongside them are rising stars like Dean Burmester, the 2024 champion, and Jayden Schaper, who is currently a top contender in the Race to Dubai rankings after a prolific start to the season with two early wins.
A Reimagined Course for a Major Prize
Stellenbosch Golf Club, hosting the national open for the first time since 1999, has been significantly modernized for this historic occasion. The layout has been lengthened to 7,268 yards and reimagined as a par 70. The renovations include 15 upgraded tee boxes and a complete reconstruction of all 44 bunkers to meet championship standards. Most notably, the dam near the 18th green has been enlarged to create a high-drama, stadium-style finish for the final round—a fitting stage for a tournament that now offers a seat at the most exclusive table in golf.
As the sun sets over the Helderberg mountains this Sunday, the champion will walk away with the second-oldest trophy in golf and a confirmed flight to Georgia. In 2026, the global golf season officially finds its pulse in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
