The South African Open returns this week as one of the most historic and prestigious tournaments on the DP World Tour schedule.
The event celebrates its 115th edition this year and heads to the Western Cape for only the second time in over two decades.
With a strong home contingent and a competitive international field, the national championship offers both challenge and opportunity ahead of a key stretch in the International Swing.
South African Open 2026 key information, prize money and how to watch
For the first time since 1999, the South African Open will be played at Stellenbosch Golf Club, a classic parkland layout nestled in the Winelands at the foot of the Helderberg mountains.
Venue: Stellenbosch Golf Club, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Dates: Thursday 26th February to Sunday 1st March
Total Prize Purse: Approx. £1.1 million
TV Channel: Sky Sports Golf, Sky Sports Main Event
Broadcast Times:
Thursday to Sunday – From 10:30am
Tee Times: Can be found here
What does it take to win at Stellenbosch? Key Statistics and Angles
Stellenbosch Golf Club hosts the championship as a par-70 parkland test measuring roughly 7,200+ yards, with a layout that demands solid ball-striking, iron accuracy and tactical course management.
Given the limited use of the course on the DP World Tour and the Sunshine Tour in recent history, there's very little information to go off.
Historically, South African Opens played in similar parkland settings have favoured golfers who combine disciplined tee-to-green games, strong ball-striking and the ability to capitalise on scoring chances when presented.
There is a lot more at stake this year, with an invitation to The Masters for the winner and crucial Open Championship qualifying available to the highest-placed players not already exempt.
Those added incentives have helped attract a pretty strong field, including Masters winner Patrick Reed, as well as several international stars and a deep home contingent.
South African Open 2026 Betting Tips and Predictions
It's no surprise to see Patrick Reed, who has already won two DPWT events since leaving LIV last month, and Jayden Schaper front the market, while past South African Open winners aren't too far behind – and that's where this week's betting card begins.
Branden Grace – 20/1 each-way (7 places)
Branden Grace still looks a class above on his day and arrives here in arguably the strongest form of anyone in the field. A multiple winner across all major tours — including nine DP World Tour victories — Grace has produced top-10 finishes in seven of his last eight starts, underlining both consistency and confidence.
He also returned to home soil last time out with a T9 finish in South Africa, and with motivation high at a national open carrying Masters implications, this looks like an ideal opportunity for him to contend once again.
Back Grace to win the South African Open at 20/1 each-way with seven places on offer at Ladbrokes
Jacques Kruyswijk – 55/1 each-way (8 places)
It’s worth keeping faith with Jacques Kruyswijk, despite this presenting a slightly different test to Kenya last week. He was one of the few selections to emerge with credit there, finishing T18, and remains available at a very similar price.
Crucially, the majority of Kruyswijk’s best performances and victories have come on home soil, and he consistently raises his game in South African events.
With familiarity, comfort, and crowd support all in his favour, another solid showing would come as no surprise.
Back Kruyswijk to win the South African Open at 55/1 each-way with eight places on offer at Betfred
Oliver Bekker – 100/1 each-way (8 places)
Oliver Bekker is a fascinating long-price contender. He is one of the few players in the field with direct experience of Stellenbosch Golf Club, having finished 3rd and 21st in previous visits, and he also lives locally, giving him a clear course-knowledge edge.
Bekker arrives in excellent form too, having won last week on the HotelPlanner Tour in Durban, making it two wins, a second and a fourth in his last nine events on home soil. He even finished ahead of Branden Grace at the Alfred Dunhill earlier this season.
A powerful hitter who should suit the layout, he looks overpriced.
Back Bekker to win the South African Open at 100/1 each-way with eight places on offer at Bet365
David Ravetto – 110/1 each-way (10 places)
David Ravetto is an interesting outsider after showing signs of life last week. A big hitter by nature, he has always threatened more than his results suggest, and if the putter finally warms up, he has the tools to contend.
He also has proven form in South Africa, with one of his two professional wins coming at the Dimension Data Pro-Am, alongside several other strong efforts, including a third place at the SDC Championship.
At a three-figure price, he makes plenty of appeal.
Back Ravetto to win the South African Open at 110/1 each-way with ten places on offer at Bet365
Luke Brown – 140/1 each-way (12 places)
Luke Brown is another powerful South African who arrives in excellent regional form, having opened his season with four top-10 finishes, including a third place in Durban last week.
While he may lack pedigree at this level and is winless since 2021, this is arguably the best form of his career. With nothing to lose and conditions that suit his strengths, he could easily outrun his odds.
Back Brown to win the South African Open at 140/1 each-way with 12 places on offer at Bet365
Cameron Adam – 140/1 each-way (12 places)
One final bet goes to Cameron Adam, who flashed real promise last week in Kenya, finishing T9 and firing a superb second-round 63.
The young Scot spoke pre-event about feeling that “something good was coming,” and he backed that up on the course.
With ambitions of reaching the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, a strong performance here would be hugely valuable – and he’s already shown he can mix it at this level.
Back Adam to win the South African Open at 140/1 each-way with 12 places on offer at Bet365
Lewis joined as News and Features Editor in July 2025, having previously held senior roles at Snack Media and GRV Media. He has also written extensively as a football and golf tipster for WeLoveBetting. He is also a proud Aldershot Town supporter.
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