Globally only 6 percent of golfers are left-handed golfers and none have ever been world No1. This month we look at current South African left-handers making their way – and the man who led the way

South Africa's Xander Basson is making his way through the professional ranks on the Sunshine Tour and Big Easy Tour. Based at Silver Lakes Country Club in Pretoria, Basson combines competitive playing with coaching and golf instruction. A graduate of Texas State University and a former NCAA Division I player, he has earned recognition as one of the PGA's leading young professionals while continuing to build his reputation as both a player and mentor in South African golf

The Capetonian enjoyed a highly successful amateur career before progressing to the Sunshine Tour. A former standout at Stanford University, he represented South Africa internationally and was one of the country's leading junior players, winning the South African Under-16 title and finishing runner-up in the 2007 South African Amateur Championship. Turning professional in 2016, De Decker has competed regularly on the Sunshine Tour, earning top finishes and building a reputation as a consistent performer.

Has emerged as one of the Sunshine Tour's promising young talents. Based at Dainfern Golf Estate, he turned professional in 2019 after a successful amateur career and has steadily established himself as a consistent performer on the Sunshine Tour. Hendler also gained experience in collegiate sport in the United States and has competed on the DP World Tour where he placed in three events.

Has steadily built his reputation on the Sunshine Tour since turning professional in 2017. Born in Port Elizabeth and a graduate of Lamar University in the United States. A career highlight came in 2024 when he claimed his maiden Sunshine Tour title at the SunBet Challenge, winning by four shots and announcing himself as one of the country's emerging talents.

Another from Cape Town who has established himself on the Sunshine Tour. Turning professional in 2017, Korb enjoyed success on both the Big Easy Tour and Sunshine Tour before claiming his breakthrough Sunshine Tour victory at the 2020 Time Square Casino Challenge. His last win on the tour was in the 2022 Vodacom Origins Of Golf at St Francis.

One of South Africa's most accomplished young professional golfers, having emerged through a highly successful amateur career before making his mark on the Sunshine Tour. A former South African national team representative and standout collegiate golfer in the United States, Mostert is long off the tee. He claimed his maiden Sunshine Tour title at the Kit Kat Group Pro-Am in 2022 and finished among the leading players on the 2022–23 Sunshine Tour Order of Merit.

Hailing from Paarl, he has been steadily making his mark on the Sunshine Tour. A product of Paarl Golf Club, Smith enjoyed success as an amateur, including victory in the Hex Valley Open, before progressing to the professional ranks. He has continued to climb the Sunshine Tour standings. His best finish has been second at the 2022 VOG KwaZulu-Natal.

Has cut his teeth on the Betway Big Easy Tour. A product of Delmas, he enjoyed a breakthrough 2025 season to secure promotion to the Sunshine Tour. His third Big Easy Tour victory automatically earned him full playing rights on the Sunshine Tour through the circuit's promotion pathway.

Phil Simmons was one of South African golf's most respected PGA professionals, dedicating more than five decades to the game as a coach, administrator and mentor. Known as 'The Germiston Giant', he served at Germiston Golf Club, Mount Edgecombe, Randpark and Gowrie Farm. A two-time PGA National Championship winner and PGA Master Professional, Simmons was widely admired for his leadership, passion and contribution to golf development. He passed away in 2025, aged 71.

Carl Fourie | Shaun Roy | Tyrone Winfield | Deon van der Merwe | EJ Langner | Gallo Images