Golf’s oldest national Open on African soil is back where it belongs — this time against the stunning backdrop of the Cape Winelands. The 115th Investec South African Open Championship is set to roar into life at Stellenbosch Golf Club from 26 February to 1 March 2026, and with a world-class field assembled, this promises to be one of the most exciting editions in years.

A Legacy Written in Fairways and Greens.

The South African Open isn’t just another stop on the golf calendar — it’s a tournament dripping in heritage. Founded in 1903, it’s the second-oldest national Open in the world, trailing only The Open Championship itself. Over more than a century, its trophy has been lifted by legends of the game. Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Louis Oosthuizen, Gary Player and many more have their names etched into its rich history.

The elevation of this event’s status continues in 2026: the winner receives a coveted invitation to the Masters Tournament at Augusta National, while the top three finishers not already exempt earn spots in The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. That’s global golf significance right there.

Stellenbosch: Homecoming in the Winelands.

Stellenbosch Golf Club has a special place in SA Open lore. It previously hosted the championship in 1999, when David Frost — a local favourite who once caddied here as a youth — lifted the title.

Now, almost 27 years later, the course has had a serious makeover. It’s been extended to a stretched 7,268 yards as a par-70, with upgraded tee boxes, all bunkers revamped and added strategic contours. The result? A more demanding test that will reward precision and big-shot thinking alike.

Recent Champions: A Proud Run for South African Golf.

The Investec SA Open has been a showcase for South African talent in recent years:

• Christiaan Bezuidenhout (2020) got things rolling with victory at Gary Player Country Club.
• Daniel van Tonder (2021) followed up with a gutsy closing round win.
• Thriston Lawrence (2022) held firm in a nerve-shredding final day to deliver his first Open title.
• Dean Burmester (2023) stormed home with a powerful performance at Blair Atholl.
• Dylan Naidoo (2025) made history at Durban Country Club, becoming the first South African player of colour to win the SA Open — a landmark achievement for the game locally and nationally.

Players to Watch in 2026.

This year’s lineup is loaded:

• Patrick Reed arrives in peak form. The 2018 Masters champion — currently ranked inside the world’s top players and atop the Race to Dubai standings — will make his first appearance in South Africa and could become the first American to win the SA Open since 1989 if he finds his best stuff.
• Ernie Els needs little introduction. The five-time SA Open champion returns to Stellenbosch where he last played the event in 1999. At 56, another title would be the stuff of legends.
• Dean Burmester brings raw power and big-match temperament, while former champions Thriston Lawrence and Dylan Naidoo will both be gunning to add to their national Open glory.
• Charl Schwartzel, a 2011 Masters winner and perennial threat in South African golf, rounds out the headline names.

More Than Just a Trophy.

Beyond the prize purse and title, the Investec SA Open is now a true global gateway. With pathways to both Augusta and Royal Birkdale on the line, and a co-sanctioned spot on the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour, it’s become a must-play, must-watch for players and fans alike.

In the heart of the Winelands, redesigns complete, and historic narratives in play — the 115th Investec South African Open isn’t just another golf tournament. It’s a celebration of the sport, its legends and its future. Stellenbosch is ready. The world is watching.