GOLFRSA SQUAD WATCH
Beacon of
LIGHT
Ivan Verster puts his heart and soul into his game and life off the course
Christiaan Maas’ all-encompassing love for the game is also to the benefit of those who have the privilege of watching him
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BY CLINTON VAN DER BERG
There’s something about Ivan Verster that makes people want to root for him.
Maybe it’s the easy laugh, the willingness to help out, or the way he lights up a room, often as the team DJ, spinning the tracks that lift the mood after a tough round. But beneath the affable exterior is a story marked by adversity, resilience and a deep love for golf that has made him one of the most compelling young players around.
In mid-July, Verster, just 21, was ranked No 4 in the country after enjoying a consistent 12 months, highlighted by a string of top-10 finishes and a breakthrough win.
He’s not terribly excited about his form this year, but recent victories include the 2025 Botswana Open and the 2024 Central Gauteng Open.
Verster also claimed titles at the 2023 Limpopo Amateur Open and was the top amateur at the FCB Zimbabwe Open that year, showcasing his consistency across seasons. Notable performances such as a runner-up finish at the 2024 KwaZulu-Natal Match Play and a semi-final run at the 2023 Northern Amateur Open further highlight his competitive edge and rising profile.
‘The opportunities from the squad have been huge. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them’
CHIP SHOTS
Favourite pastime? I enjoy working with my hands. I’ve always been handy around the house, so I enjoy woodworking.
Dream car? Must be a Mercedes of some sort: the AMG.
Away from golf, what keeps you busy? ‘I’m studying [PGA Diploma] and I like hanging out with friends too.’
What’s the most interesting food you’ve tried? ‘I’m a picky eater, so I wouldn’t eat black pudding, for instance. We went to Zimbabwe last year. We had a braai... chakalaka and meat, but I’ve no idea what was really in there.’
Special moment: ‘When I played St Andrews Links. It’s just special. You walk over the bridge, and you think of all the people who have stood there.’
Yet, his journey to the upper echelons has been anything but straightforward. Born in George, Verster’s life was upended early when his mother passed away, a loss that left a lasting mark.
‘It was a rough patch. My golf stalled for about six or seven months,’ he says, his tone matter-of-fact but the gravity unmistakeable. "Fortunately, I had a huge support network that got me the worst, and helped me to get my golf back on track."
Golf was less a conscious choice than a calling. ‘I don’t even remember the first time I picked up a club. I was about one and a half, maybe two. My mom and her business partner probably got me into it. I just always had a club in my hand.’
There’s a poetic symmetry to the fact he was born the day after the Presidents Cup was played in South Africa, ironically in George, which he calls home. It’s a tournament he dreams of playing in.
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His early promise was nurtured by the Louis Oosthuizen Junior Golf Academy, which provided not just coaching but crucial financial support too. ‘They were amazing, especially when things were tough at home. I was there for six years, and the coaches did an incredible job.’
Verster also benefited from his years with the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation, which helped bridge the gap between raw talent and elite competition. ‘The Foundation came at just the right time. It opened doors I never thought possible and gave me the belief that I could really make it in golf.’
Later, he graduated to GolfRSA’s National Squad, which enabled him to compete at the highest level and travel the world. ‘The opportunities from the squad have been huge. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them. Playing against the best in the world as an amateur has taught me so much — it pushes you to raise your game, to stay disciplined and to believe you belong out there. Those experiences were invaluable for my growth, on and off the course.’
Golf has given Verster structure, purpose and a sense of belonging. It’s also given him a brotherhood. He speaks warmly of his fellow squad members, especially those he practises with at Fancourt. ‘We push each other along. You learn from each other, and it keeps things fun.’
Verster’s ability to see the lighter side of things is legendary. ‘It’s already such a difficult sport. If you’re going to get angry at yourself, it’s just going to go south. I always try to see the fun side, even in serious moments. That’s how you make it enjoyable for everyone.’
This sense of fun and camaraderie has made Verster the ‘heart and soul’ of every team he’s been part of. He’s modest about it.
‘It’s nice when people look up to you, but mostly I just try to make things better for the team’
‘I never saw myself as a leader, but I captained a team in 2022 when I was just 19. I got thrown into the deep end, but it helped me grow. It’s nice when people look up to you, but mostly I just try to make things better for the team.’
His ambitions are as big as his heart. In the short term, he’s gunning for a spot on the Eisenhower Trophy team. Long term, the PGA Tour beckons. ‘I’ll probably turn pro next year, maybe start on the Sunshine Tour and work my way up.’
But there’s more to Verster than just personal goals. The adversity he faced has instilled in him a desire to give back. ‘I’d love to start my own foundation or academy one day. I know how much it meant to me to have support, and I want to help other kids who are going through tough times.’
Golf has given Verster a future, but it’s his warmth, humour and generosity that make him a beacon in South African amateur golf. In a sport that can be lonely and unforgiving, his story is a reminder that heart and soul matter just as much as talent and trophies.
And if you ever need a DJ or a table, he’s your man.
WINNER’S CIRCLE
Check out the highlights of Verster and his teammates’ four-stroke victory at the 2024 GolfRSA International Team Competition.
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TYRONE WINFIELD/SUNSHINE TOUR/ERNEST BLIGNAULT/GOLFRSA/OISIN KENIRY/OCTAVIO PASSOS/R&A VIA GETTY IMAGES
