SA OPEN REVIEW
FACTS
& figures
Here are some interesting observations from the 115th Investec SA Open at Stellenbosch Golf Club
jayden schaper
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In the red
Only two players shot under-par rounds throughout the week to stay in red numbers – winner Casey Jarvis (67, 68, 64, 67) and Haydn Porteous (67, 69, 68, 68) who finished in a tie for sixth.
A flock of birdies
Hennie du Plessis produced the most birdies of the week (24), while Spain’s Angel Ayora had the most eagles (2), which came in the opening two rounds at the par five 5th hole.
How low?
Hennie du Plessis also shot the lowest round of the tournament, a second-round 63, which earned him a $100,000 bonus. He had 10 birdies and three bogeys in the eventful seven-under-par round. Germany’s Freddy Schott also shot a 63, in the final round with eight birdies, and a bogey on the eighth – his fourth of the tournament at that hole.
A cut above
There were 78 players who made the cut, which was set at one-over 141. A total of 14 players missed the weekend by one shot, including former champion Thriston Lawrence and African Amateur champion Jack Buchanan.
missing out
Of those 78, some 32 were South Africans, but four former SA Open champions missed out on the weekend. Dylan Naidoo (2025), Thriston Lawrence (2022), Richard Sterne (2008) and five-time champion Ernie Els fell by the wayside.
Like fine wine
Darren Fichardt was the oldest player to make the cut. Fichardt, 50, was T4th in the 2025 edition. Former champion Hennie Otto (49) also made the cut.
14 under
Casey Jarvis’ winning score of 14-under was the same score to par as last year’s champion Dylan Naidoo, at Durban Country Club. His win by three was the same margin as Dean Burmester’s in 2023.
Toughest hole ...
The toughest hole on the course was the par four 442m 8th. It played to an average of 4.38 and yielded 25 birdies, 265 pars, 146 bogeys and 23 double bogeys or more.
... and easiest
The easiest hole on the course was the par five 535m 5th. It played to an average 4.57 and produced 19 eagles, 193 birdies, 217 pars and only 25 bogeys and five double bogeys or higher.
Fighting for Freddie
There were three amateurs who qualified for the weekend and fought it out for the Freddie Tait Cup. They were Dian Kruger, Logan Leisher and Charl Barnard. Jack Buchanan missed the cut by one shot, while Judd Sundelson and Matthew Rossouw also missed out. Barnard went on to win the Freddie Tait.
Limit the mistakes
The player who had the fewest bogeys on his card was the eventual champion Casey Jarvis, with five. England’s Eddie Pepperell, who finished fifth, only had six bogeys all week.
Moving Day
On Saturday’s traditional third round ‘Moving Day’, Casey Jarvis went from 10th to 1st, Kieron van Wyk from 41st to 5th, Xander Basson from 19th to 5th and Daniel van Tonder from 53rd to 8th.
Carl Fourie | Sunshine Tour
