GEORGE – The fairways of Fancourt are about to witness golfing royalty. Four-time Major champion Ernie Els has thrown his name into the hat for the NTT DATA Men’s and Ladies’ Pro-Ams brought to you by Standard Bank, set to light up the Garden Route from 12-15 February.
The Big Easy’s return marks a homecoming for South African golf’s most decorated son. The former world number one will spearhead a field brimming with Sunshine Tour talent at the co-sanctioned event, which also features the HotelPlanner Tour.
“I have such wonderful memories of this tournament throughout my career, and I’m looking forward to playing in it again,” Els revealed. “The Sunshine Tour is where I started my career and I’ve always come back to play here whenever I can. It’s going to be great to see some old faces and a few of the youngsters on the Tour as well.”
Nienaber chases exclusive double
Defending champion Wilco Nienaber enters Fancourt with history on his mind. Last year’s commanding seven-shot demolition job saw him join an elite quartet of double winners in the tournament’s 31-year legacy, alongside Nick Price, Darren Fichardt and Oliver Bekker.
“I’m excited to return to Fancourt to try and defend my title,” Nienaber said. “It’s a privilege to be one of the few multiple winners of such a prestigious tournament. I love Fancourt, and every single one of the golf courses there.”
The long-bombing South African will face stiff competition from rising sensation Casey Jarvis, who has announced his arrival with two victories in three weeks on the Sunshine Tour this season. The youngster’s red-hot form makes him a genuine threat across Fancourt’s three championship layouts, the Montagu, Outeniqua and Links.
Ladies field stacked with talent
The women’s tournament boasts equally compelling storylines. Defending champion Danielle du Toit returns after her playoff triumph over Sunshine Ladies Tour legend Lee-Anne Pace last year. Both players will battle for a share of the increased R2.5 million purse.
Pace, the most successful golfer in Sunshine Ladies Tour history and a former champion of this event with three runner-up finishes, remains a formidable competitor at Fancourt.
Young gun Kaiyuree Moodley, last season’s R&A Rookie of the Year, returns to the course where she made her professional bow. “It was a dream to make my professional debut in this event last year,” Moodley reflected. “Watching Danielle win it last year and what it did for her career, I remember thinking it would be amazing to win this tournament one day.”
Record prize money signals ambition
The men’s field will compete for a R7 million total purse, whilst the ladies’ increased R2.5 million pot represents a significant investment in women’s golf on the continent.
“The 2026 NTT DATA Pro-Am represents a meaningful opportunity for us to continue elevating the sport across Africa,” explained Thembeka Ngugi, Head of Marketing, NTT DATA Middle East and Africa. “This tournament brings together world‑class talent, inspiring young athletes and seasoned professionals alike, in an environment that celebrates excellence, diversity and community.”
Steve Barnes, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking for South Africa at Standard Bank, emphasised the partnership’s commitment to equality. “The increased prize money for the ladies’ tournament, along with the quality of participants across both fields, affirms this ambition. We hope this tournament will serve as a catalyst for future aspiring golfers of all genders and backgrounds.”
A week of golfing excellence
The tournament’s rich history features champions including Major winners, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup stars, and former world number ones. Since 2014, the ladies’ event has established itself as a cornerstone of the Sunshine Ladies Tour calendar.
Both tournaments will feature a showcase of sports stars and celebrities, with SuperSport delivering live coverage throughout the week.
As Els prepares to grace Fancourt’s pristine fairways once more, South African golf finds itself in good health, with legends returning home, champions defending titles, and young stars hungry to etch their names into history.
The stage is set. The field is stacked. Fancourt awaits.
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