SPOTLIGHT ON...
Poised to
POUNCE
After making his mark on the amateur circuit, Kieron van Wyk has even bigger goals
BY CLINTON VAN DER BERG
Before he could tie his shoelaces, he was lining up putts. Before most kids his age could pronounce ‘Augusta’, he was already plotting a future between the fairways. For Kieron van Wyk, golf has never been a hobby, it’s been a calling.
Now, at just 23, with the calm assurance of a player twice his age and a CV that bristles with intent, the Johannesburg-born trailblazer is stepping into the professional arena, armed with more than just promise. He brings pedigree, perspective and a poise that belies the grind of his journey.
His story, though, is not one of overnight success. It’s built on sunburnt Saturdays in Ruimsig, a childhood spent shadowing his father and brother down the fairways, and a teenage stretch where trophies piled up quickly.
It’s also a story of being the first, the only, and often, the standard-bearer; a young black South African carving through a sport still often shaped by legacy rather than opportunity.
DID YOU KNOW?
In March this year, Van Wyk became the first College of Charleston men’s golfer to play at a PGA Tour event ‑ the Puerto Rico Open. He is also the only student athlete to secure three CAA Golfer of the Year awards.
‘Once I’m on the course and I’m playing golf, it’s the easiest part’
His golf story began remarkably early. At just four years old, he joined his father, Rodwell, and older brother, Keelan, on the course, instantly catching the golf bug that runs in the family. His talent began to blossom around age 12, as he started consistently winning tournaments in the SA Kids Golf organisation, realising he had a knack for the sport.
A product of Curro Aurora High School, Van Wyk was a key player in their dominant golf teams, helping secure primary and high school championships. He credits strong teammates like Cole Stevens and Woo-Ju Son for their collective success.
The former soccer star’s amateur career was laden with victories, locally and internationally, providing a robust foundation for his professional transition. Notable runner-up finishes include the SA Stroke Play Championship and the African Amateur Championship, showcasing his consistent form at elite amateur events.
The call to the US came in the form of a full scholarship to the College of Charleston, a clear sign that his talent was recognised internationally. Juggling a Business Administration degree with intense golf commitments, Van Wyk excelled, securing multiple collegiate wins as a member of the Cougars and consistently contending at high-profile events.
Gallery below
2024-25 TOP-10 FINISHES
28 Aug 2024: GVP Challenge, T4th
2 Oct: SunBet Challenge – Sun Sibaya, T6th
17 Oct: Fortress Invitational, T8th
23 Jan 2025: SDC Open, 2nd
20 March: The Serengeti Playoffs, T6th
2024-25 TOP-10 FINISHES
28 Aug 2024:
GVP Challenge, T4th
2 Oct:
SunBet Challenge – Sun Sibaya, T6th
17 Oct:
Fortress Invitational, T8th
23 Jan 2025:
SDC Open, 2nd
20 March:
The Serengeti Playoffs, T6th
After a stellar collegiate career, he took the next step, making his Korn Ferry Tour debut at the recent UNC Health Championship. While admitting to some nerves, he enjoyed the experience despite missing the cut.
‘Once I’m on the course and I’m playing golf, it’s the easiest part,’ he told The Golf Mag in a call from South Carolina.
Despite the independent nature of the pro game, the hot prospect is far from alone. He relies on his college coaches, and his father often caddies for him, providing a comforting presence of home on the road, plus GolfRSA, whom he lauds, continues to support his journey.
Van Wyk is keenly aware that golf is a continuous learning process. He’s now focusing on building a strong, accountable team around him, including strength and mental coaches, and a physio, to fine-tune his game.
One of his proudest distinctions is being the first black player to win the NCAA Colonial Athletic Association Championship, in 2022. Van Wyk embraces his role as a pioneer, particularly for aspiring young golfers in South Africa and America. ‘It’s something I’m proud of. I’m happy to be a role model for non-white kids looking to build on their futures.’
WINNER’S CIRCLE
Watch highlights of Van Wyk's APGA Farmers Insurance Invitational win and hear from him on the keys to his playoff victory.
watch now
‘I’m happy to be a role model for non-white kids looking to build on their futures’
In March, he was the leading amateur in the Puerto Rico Open, finishing fourth overall. ‘Pretty proud of that,’ he reflects. Also this year, in his debut on the Advocates PGA Tour, Van Wyk won the Farmers Insurance Invitational at Torrey Pines; the first amateur to win on the Tour since it started in 2010.
His ultimate ambition is clear: to play and win on the PGA Tour within the next five years. Having proved himself as a winner at amateur level, the youngster is poised to bring that winning mentality to the professional environment.
When not on the course, he reminisces about the vibrancy of South African culture, a stark contrast to the more individualistic American lifestyle. ‘Don’t get me wrong, the people are very friendly, but at the same time they’re one-sided and doing their own thing.’
For now, he plans on doing his own thing too – with vigour, poise and hard work, which has already taken him far.
CHIP SHOTS
Favourite college experience: Winning the White Sands Bahamas Men’s NCAA Golf Invitational at Atlantis Resort (and enjoying the water slides).
Favourite car: Porsche.
Most interesting US food: It’s fairly generic, so mac and cheese, BBQ, Mexican, Italian.
Biggest South African nostalgia: Family and the camaraderie of home.
Best golfer met: Rory McIlroy, at the Nedbank Golf Challenge Pro-Am in 2018. I was in the clubhouse and Gary Player came over to me. He then suggested Rory look at this ‘young man’ [practising]. I then watched Rory on the ball. It was a special moment early on – he was one of my idols growing up.
Gallery below
VAN WYK SIGNS WITH UNDER ARMOUR
In March this year, Under Armour welcomed Van Wyk to its elite roster of golf athletes, saying: ‘For Under Armour, this partnership is more than just a sponsorship – it’s a shared commitment to pushing the sport forward. The brand is dedicated to providing athletes like Van Wyk with the tools to elevate their game.’
Under Armour senior vice-president of global sports marketing, Sean Eggert, added: ‘He embodies everything we stand for at Under Armour – grit, resilience and the drive to push limits. We’re honoured to be part of his journey and provide him with the best gear to fuel his success.’
The South African will be competing in 2025 wearing the brand’s performance apparel and footwear. When he played at his first PGA Tour event, the Puerto Rico Open, he debuted his Under Armour shoe, the UA Drive Fade featuring a waterproof design made with the brand’s HOVR cushioning technology.
COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON/TYRONE WINFIELD/CARL FOURIE/SUNSHINE TOUR/GOLFRSA/SUPPLIED
