St Andrews Golf Scholar Judd Sundelson Wins South African Amateur Championship
St Andrews Golf Scholar Judd Sundelson has been crowned the 2026 South African Amateur Champion at Pretoria Country Club, securing one of the most prestigious titles in South African golf and earning a coveted place in the field for the 115th Investec South African Open Championship (26 February – 01 March 2026).
The final delivered high drama befitting a championship whose past winners include Major champions Ernie Els and Retief Goosen. Sundelson triumphed over Morris Schiefner in a thrilling 36 hole contest. The pair were tied after the morning round, before Sundelson pulled ahead during the afternoon’s decisive stages winning 3&2 to lift the trophy.
A member of Houghton Golf Club, Sundelson completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nottingham and is currently pursuing an MSc in Finance and Banking at the University of St Andrews Business School, supported by The R&A. His victory continues a remarkable run of form. A week earlier, he won the Free State Open at Heron Banks Golf Club. He also claimed the 2025 R&A Student Tour Series Order of Merit, the premier university circuit in Europe. He is a member of the GolfRSA National Squad and competed for the GolfRSA UK Squad Tour for the past two years.
Sundelson’s victory not only cements his status as one of South Africa’s rising golf talents but also secures his place in the field for the 115th Investec South African Open Championship, one of the oldest national opens in world golf. His achievements further highlight the strength of the University of St Andrews Golf Programme and the impact of The R&A’s continued investment in university golf.
Reflecting on the victory, Sundelson said: ”Winning the South African Men’s Amateur as a South African is incredibly special to me. My grandfather, Neville Sundelson, won this trophy, and my dad came so close, losing in the final—so this championship is deeply woven into our family story. To finally add my name to that history, on home soil, means more than I can put into words.”
Director of Golf Ian Muir, said: “I’m incredibly proud of Judd and what he’s achieved. This win means so much to him and his family, and to see him following in the footsteps of his grandfather makes it even more special. From a performance programme perspective, this is exactly what we aim to do – create an environment where talented golfers are supported, inspired, and given the opportunity to turn their aspirations into reality at the elite level.”