JO U RNEYS
I finally made my Nedbank debut in December. I hadn’t played much competitive golf at Sun City previous- ly, so to finish tied second was one of my best weeks in golf, and the biggest cheque of my career (R9-million). It was such a cool event, and I loved the atmo- sphere. The Gary Player Country Club that week, with its small greens, was the toughest course I’ve played, mainly because of the elements. The heat, and constantly changing wind direction, were difficult factors to manage. I was thrilled to have a bogey-free final round yet couldn’t find any momentum over the last six holes to make up that one shot on (champion) Kristoffer Reitan. ● ● ● My caddie Keagan Snalam had three weeks of TV exposure during my hot run. We’re good friends, and he has been my permanent caddie the last two years. He’s two years older, also from Benoni, and travelling over- seas it’s helpful to have a mate along, especially weeks when I’m not play- ing. I got to know Keagan during Covid when everyone was into online PlaySta- tion games. In 2021 he caddied for me at Sishen, as dad wouldn’t allow me to drive there on my own. It was August, bitterly cold temperatures. Conditions among the toughest I’ve played in. Nearly won too, but I bogeyed the last to tie second. Keagan caddied for me on the Challenge Tour, but we split up. Then, at the 2024 Tour Championship
"My focus will be on gaining a PGA Tour card at the end of this year. I’m eager to play in my first major, possibly the US PGA in May."
at Serengeti, I was looking for a caddie and we hooked up again. Had a good week, and we’ve been together since. ● ● ● Our family loves fast cars and mo- torsport. I recently bought my dream car, a high-performance limited edition BMW CS. My late grandfather was into motor racing, and my dad races go- karts. During Covid I also gave that a try, buying my own kart. But I was a bit reckless and there were a few crashes. I was told it wasn’t a good idea to con- tinue doing that, because of the possi- bility of injuring myself, so I’m now a spectator. ● ● ● I’ve progressed up the Race to Dubai rankings since my 2023 rookie sea- son. From 104 that year to 65 the next, and 26 last year. My focus will be on gaining a PGA Tour card at the end of this year. I’m eager to play in my first major, possibly the US PGA in May. I’d receive an invite if I won the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit, but to do that I’d have to play five local events in the next two months, which would conflict with my schedule. I need to rather break into the Top 50 on the World Ranking.
Holing out for eagle on the 18th at La Réserve Golf Links to win the Mauritius Open.
12 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
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