Sundelson Set for 115th Investec South African Open After Breakthrough Amateur Victory
St Andrews Golf Scholar Judd Sundelson will tee it up this week in the 115th Investec South African Open Championship (26 February – 1 March 2026), securing his place in one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious national opens following a standout start to the season.
Sundelson earned his coveted spot in the championship after triumphing at the 2026 South African Amateur Championship earlier this year at Pretoria Country Club. The victory capped a remarkable run of form that has included two wins, a runner up, and a third place finish in the opening months of the season.
Adding further excitement to his championship debut, Sundelson will tee off alongside four time Major Champion Ernie Els in the first round, giving the St Andrews scholar a rare opportunity to compete shoulder to shoulder with one of South Africa’s greatest golfing icons.
The South African Open Championship is a DP World Tour event, placing Sundelson in the midst of elite professional competition. He will also be competing against seasoned tour players, including Patrick Reed, currently world number 18.
Sundelson recently completed his MSc in Finance and Banking at the University of St Andrews Business School in the 2024–25 academic year. He is now pursuing his second Masters degree, an MLitt in Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asian Security Studies at the University of St Andrews.
Sundelson, who is supported with an R&A Foundation scholarship, is a member of the GolfRSA National Squad and has represented South Africa on the GolfRSA UK Squad Tour for the past two years, gaining valuable international experience ahead of this week’s event.
His achievements further highlight the continuing success of the University of St Andrews Golf Programme and the strength of the squad. Delivered through the prestigious Saints Golf Performance Scholarships, the programme provides world-class training, competition opportunities, and academic support that enable student-athletes to thrive in every aspect of their development. Its strength and sustainability are made possible through the generous backing of The R&A, the St Andrews Links Trust, Rusacks St Andrews, and The 600 Club, our global community of dedicated supporters, whose commitment has helped establish the programme as a benchmark for excellence in university golf worldwide.
Sundelson now joins a world class field at the Investec South African Open, an event steeped in history and previously won by legends including Gary Player, Ernie Els, and Trevor Immelman, as he seeks to continue his exceptional early season form on one of golf’s most storied stages.