(2016 Cape Town Open), the Challenge Tour (2023 Sweden), and this year the DP World Tour. Winning my first DPWT title on foreign soil, Kenya, was a big moment. Yes, it’s difficult to win one of these titles in South Africa, but triumphing in Kenya was my validation that I can win abroad. Improving the mental part of my game has been a big part of my recent development, working with Mark Fairbank, a Joburg- based sports psychologist. ● ● ● I’m an extremely driven person, so my next goal is to play on the PGA Tour. I can earn a card with a high finish on the Race to Dubai later this year. I’ve had a taste of golf in America. I’m encouraged by a top-five finish in the Barracuda Cham- pionship in July. It was a modified Stabl- eford event like those we played at Royal Swazi Spa for many years. ● ● ● Before that I qualified for my first ma- jor championship, the US Open at Oakmont. I couldn’t have picked a more difficult course for my debut. Oakmont was a monster, more daunting than I had prepared myself for. The slopes on every hole were incredible. I missed the cut on 10-over, but what an experience. I was paired with Eric Cole and learned for the first time that his father (Bobby) was a South African who had won two SA Opens. ● ● ● DPWT pros often play in hot and humid conditions. Notably in Asian countries we visit like India and Singapore. During my Kenya Open win my frequent use of chalk powder on my hands was noticed. I sweat profusely in that equatorial humidity, particularly under pressure, so you need something that keeps your hands dry for every shot. It worked a charm that week.
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 13
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025
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