Staff WriterKarabo Mokoena lit up Randpark Golf Club on Thursday with a sublime opening-round 62 at the Stella Artois Players Championship, stamping his authority early and reminding everyone why he’s one of South Africa’s brightest golf prospects.
The 28-year-old produced eight birdies, an eagle, and just a single bogey in a round that oozed composure and control. His effort earned him a two-shot lead over a tightly packed chasing group of five players — South Africans Ethan Smith, Nikhil Rama, Deon Germishuys, Jordan Burnand, and Zimbabwe’s Stuart Krog.
“I’m only realising now that it was a good round. I checked the leaderboard and no one has managed to match the score, so I am really chuffed with that,” said Mokoena, clearly still processing the magnitude of his morning’s work.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, though. The Randpark layout has humbled many, but Karabo Mokoena kept his head when it mattered most. “My round was good. I didn’t have a chance to have fun, as the nerves were sky-high during the first round. I was just trying to stay in the moment and not rush anything, taking it a shot at a time,” he added.
That kind of focus has been building over recent months. Mokoena’s steady progress is showing in his consistency — four cuts made in his last five tournaments — and he’s clearly trending upward at the right time.
“I am definitely more certain with my decision-making. I’ve made four out of five cuts during my last five tournaments, so the game is moving in the right direction. I am pleased with my position, hopefully I keep it going and improve my ranking. A good week will help me to get into a better position to be selected for the bigger tournaments,” said Mokoena, his eyes already fixed on loftier goals.
Behind him, Nikhil Rama is riding his own wave of form after a strong fourth-place finish at last week’s Hyundai Open. But for now, it’s Karabo Mokoena who’s set the early benchmark at Randpark — calm, clinical, and brimming with confidence.
If this opening round is anything to go by, the Stella Artois Players Championship could quickly turn into the week where Mokoena steps from “one to watch” into “one to beat.”
