SPOTLIGHT ON...
Finding the
BALANCE
Never one to rest on her laurels, this all-action, fun-loving professional is determined to celebrate golf, and life’s journey
BY CLINTON VAN DER BERG
Stacy Bregman has never been one to take the conventional route. At just 18 years old, she turned professional after winning the World Amateur Team Championship in 2006, bypassing lucrative US college scholarships and diving headfirst into the world of elite golf.
‘I told myself, if I get my full card at Ladies European Tour Q-School, I’m going for it,’ she says. ‘I finished second, and I’ve never looked back.’
Nearly two decades later, Bregman remains one of South Africa’s most recognisable golfing talents, competing on the Ladies European and Sunshine Tours. Her career has been marked by multiple tournament wins, consistent top finishes and a reputation for fierce competitiveness paired with a magnetic personality.
But 2025 has brought a new layer of depth to her journey, one shaped by loss, resilience and reinvention. Earlier this year, Bregman lost her longtime coach and mentor, Neville Sundelson, a figure she describes as ‘like a second father’.
His passing hit hard.
‘We’ve made some great progress and I feel like I’m moving in a good direction again’
CHIP SHOTS
Favourite course: I love Royal Birkdale and Royal County Down.
Best thing about travel: Experiencing different foods and cultures.
Most famous people met:
I played golf with Dwight Yorke and Brian Lara, also with Gary Player and Nicky Price. The most inspirational person I got to chat to was Tiger Woods’ late father, Earl.
If not a pro golfer: Probably an accountant, or a physio or chiropractor.
Worst food: Brussel sprouts.
‘Even now, I catch myself saying things he used to say,’ she reflects. ‘So much of what I do is because of him. If it wasn’t for Neville, I wouldn’t be playing at this level.’
Despite the emotional toll, Bregman’s game is finding its rhythm again. She’s working with coach Alex Clapp, based just outside London, and credits him with helping her sharpen her technique and regain confidence. ‘He’s been a huge influence,’ she says. ‘We’ve made some great progress and I feel like I’m moving in a good direction again.’
Splitting her time between Johannesburg and London, Bregman has mastered the art of balancing continents, careers and now entrepreneurship. Her latest venture, Stay-Cool, is a high-quality sun protection brand offering pull-up sleeves, crop tops and shawls designed for golfers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Launched in December, the brand has taken off across South Africa and abroad, with orders rolling in from as far as Mauritius and Dubai.
Gallery below
‘It’s been received unbelievably well,’ she beams. ‘Golf is such a connected sport. Most of the people I’ve done business with I met through the game. Athletes know how to work hard and smart, and that’s helped me in business too.’
Co-founded with business partner Lisa Kowen, Stay-Cool is more than a side hustle, it’s a strategic move towards life after golf. ‘It keeps me fresh,’ she says. ‘I’ve only known golf, so having something else I love doing is important. When I eventually retire, I’ll have something to fall back on. I’m proud of what we’ve built.’
But don’t mistake Bregman for someone who’s slowing down. Off the course, she’s a black belt in karate, a powerlifting enthusiast and a self-confessed speed junkie. ‘One of my best adventures was in Germany,’ she laughs. ‘I got to drive an Audi R8 V10 on the Autobahn, hitting 250 km/h. It was epic.’
HEAD TO HEAD
Bregman and Hannah Gregg face off in a green-reading challenge.
‘You’ve got to be focused when it counts, but in between shots breathe, laugh, enjoy it’
Her love for action and adventure is matched by a deep appreciation for nature and quiet moments. ‘Nature helps me reset,’ she says. ‘Whether I’m hiking or walking the dogs in the Outeniqua Forest, it’s about being present. It clears my mind and brings peace.’ That balance, between intensity and serenity, competition and reflection, is what makes Bregman such a compelling figure. She’s not just chasing trophies but also building a life rich with meaning and momentum.
Looking back, she wishes she’d been a little kinder to herself. ‘I was hard on myself early on. A perfectionist. I’d tell my 18-year-old self to enjoy the process more, be playful on the course, and not be so robotic. You’ve got to be focused when it counts, but in between shots breathe, laugh, enjoy it.’
It’s advice she lives by now, and it shows. Whether she’s teeing off at a Ladies European Tour event, brainstorming product ideas, or speeding down a highway, Bregman brings her full self to the moment. Driven, determined and delightfully down-to-earth, she’s proof that success isn’t just about how far you hit the ball, it’s about how far you’re willing to go to live the life you love.
As she continues to compete, build her business, and explore new ventures, Bregman remains committed to growth. ‘I’m always learning,’ she says. ‘Whether it’s on the course, in the boardroom or just in life, I want to keep evolving.’
Her message to young athletes and aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: ‘Don’t be afraid to dream bigger. You’re capable of more than you think. And when life throws you off course, find your way back, because that’s where the magic happens.’
For Bregman, the fairway is just one part of the journey. The rest? It’s unfolding with every swing, every sunrise and every bold step forward.
TRISTAN JONES/LET/TROY WINFIELD/SUNSHINE TOUR
