David GonzalezThe Investec South African Open 2027 returns to Stellenbosch Golf Club from 4–7 March with a US$2 million prize fund, three new Pretoria qualifying venues and a Western Cape Last Chance Qualifier. At its 116th staging, access matters as much as ancestry.
A bigger purse and a clearer pathway
The event again sits inside the Sunshine Tour, DP World Tour and PGA TOUR Strategic Alliance. Casey Jarvis supplied the recent proof point: his 2026 victory earned exemptions into The Open and The Masters, and he later finished tied sixth at The Open.
“The success of the Investec South African Open is clear to see both inside and outside the ropes as our national Open continues to elevate its status on the global stage through the opportunity it creates for our professionals, the economic impact it has for the local community, and the value it delivers for the sponsors,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.
“Casey Jarvis was a perfect example of the pathway the championship offers through the Strategic Alliance we have with the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR, and the support from The R&A, The Masters and GolfRSA. With his victory Casey qualified for and made his debut in both The Open and The Masters, launching a new phase of his career and delivering another international star for South African golf.
“Beyond this, the championship was a source of national pride as it generated almost R300 million in economic impact, provided roughly 400 jobs, and delivered a net sponsorship value of R1.1 billion. It reaffirmed that a Sunshine Tour tournament is remarkable value for a sponsor.”
Investec extends its bet on South African golf
Investec has extended its title sponsorship for five years, while continuing its backing of the women’s national Open and the Papwa Sewgolum Class.
“The Investec South African Open is far more than one of the world’s oldest national Opens. It is a championship that represents the very best of South African golf and provides a pathway for our players to compete on the global stage.
Our recent five-year renewal of the Investec South African Open and the Investec South African Women’s Open, together with our continued patronage of the Papwa Sewgolum Class, reflects our belief in investing in the entire golf ecosystem.
By supporting our national championships, growing the women’s game and creating opportunities through transformation in golf, we are investing in the long-term future of South African golf,” said Peta Dixon, Head of Sponsorships, Investec.
“The renewed investment reflects Investec’s commitment to growing the game at every level, from elite national championships to transformation initiatives that create opportunities for future generations of South African golfers.”
Stellenbosch carries the business case
Organisers say the 2026 championship generated almost R300 million in economic impact, roughly 400 jobs and R1.1 billion in net sponsorship value.
Ben Cowen, the DP World Tour’s Chief Tournament & Operations Officer, said: “We are delighted to once again co-sanction the Investec South African Open – one of the world’s oldest national Opens – with our valued partners at the Sunshine Tour.
It’s also hugely important for the event to have such a committed title partner in Investec, and we welcome their continued support.”
“The Investec South African Open has long provided opportunities for South African golfers to compete on a global stage, and rising star Casey Jarvis securing his place in both The Masters and The Open last season was yet another step forward in the growth of the tournament.
We look forward to returning to Stellenbosch Golf Club this season and to the future of this fantastic event.”
Three new qualifiers, plus one last chance
Irene Country Club, Wingate Country Club and Waterkloof Golf Club will host new qualifiers in Pretoria, with a first Western Cape Last Chance Qualifier added before the championship.
For an Open this old, the useful trick is to avoid behaving old. The 2027 edition has a larger purse, broader qualifying and a young South African who recently turned one win into two Major starts.
History gets the introduction. Opportunity has to earn the applause.
