JAYDEN SCHAPER

PATRIOT

Games

We're closing in on Africa's Major and the best of South Africa's new guard will be at Sun City to fly the home flag

BY MICHAEL VLISMAS

yurav premlall

download this article to read later

download now

The Nedbank Golf Challenge has always been a great showcase of South African golf talent. Throughout the illustrious history of this tournament, there have been eras in which the best South African golfers have used this as their stage to shine.


In the last two years the shift has been immense in terms of a new young guard of South Africans starting to flex on the iconic fairways of the Gary Player Country Club.


Aldrich Potgieter finished second in 2024, and Jayden Schaper finished second in 2025. Both were under the age of 25. Both were just one shot off the winning score.


For Schaper in particular, last year's experience on his debut in Africa's Major has made him more determined than ever to win a tournament every South African golfer idolised when growing up.


'It's a tournament that I've watched growing up,' said schaper. 'Last year was my first year playing in it and it was nice to see it from inside the ropes. The atmosphere was just incredible. It's one I want to win, especially after last year and coming so close.

'I want to get my name on one of those plaques on the walkway to the ninth green. This year's (Nedbank Golf Challenge) has Major winners in it and some big names on the global stage. It feels elevated'

'I want to get my name on one of those plaques on the walkway to the ninth green. This year's field has Major winners in it and some big names on the global stage. It feels elevated. It's a tough event to get into in the first place, and you want to win a tournament against the toughest field.'


The young star will head to Sun City this year having hopefully secured his PGA Tour card for the following season. And that's when a new chapter will begin in a career that seemed predestined for global success.


And a place in the Nedbank Golf Challenge at the end of the year is always a sign to any golfer that it's been a good year, and you're headed in the right direction. With two wins this season already and a host of top fives, there's no doubt about Schaper's potential to add his name to the crystal trophy at Sun City.


'I do think I've got a little bit more experience this time from being out on the DP World Tour for another year and competing there. If it's my week it's my week. It's all about playing good golf to get you into the position I was in last year. I don't think I'll change anything from what I did last year. I played really well that week. I putted well and my whole game felt consistent.


'There were no decisions I made that slowed my effort to win last year. If I find myself in the same position on the Sunday this year, that would be a bonus and hopefully I can get it done. But I haven't changed anything. I'm still working on the same basic things from week to week.'


This year's field is particularly exciting for him, with a current Major champion in Wyndham Clark and other stars such as Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Rose, Ben Griffin, defending champion Kristoffer Reitan, and fellow young South Africans Casey Jarvis and Yurav Premlall, who are also both DP World Tour winners this season.

'It's always a strong field. It's the strongest field of a tournament we play in South Africa. I don't think there are any advantages of being a South African in the Nedbank Golf Challenge apart from the home crowds. And even with this in mind, the Sun City crowd is awesome.


'They never cheer against anyone. They just want to see good golf. This year I'll have my family and friends and a lot of home support, which will be nice.'

Schaper will only see the changes to the golf course in the week of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, and is looking forward to that on what he believes has always been a world-class course.


'It was always a great golf course with so much history to it. I haven't seen the changes. I'll only see them in the week of the Nedbank Golf Challenge. But everyone knows about the new first hole and the practice range. The practice range is a very cool addition because we definitely needed somewhere closer to practice, rather than having to go all the way up to the Lost City.'


It's now been nine years since the last South African champion in this tournament, which was Branden Grace in 2017. The longest stretch between South African winners was Trevor Immelman in 2007 and Grace.


But this new generation is pushing hard, and Schaper would love nothing more than to kick down that door first.

THE TROPHY CABINET

IAN WALTON | ASIAN TOUR | TYRONE WINFIELD | TROY WINFIELD | CARL FOURIE | SUNSHINE TOUR