Nine new caps for SA at 2026 International Amateur Championship

A record seven South African teams will proudly tee it up at Houghton Golf Club from 10-13 February 2026 in the GolfRSA International Amateur Championship, with nine amateurs proudly wearing the green and gold for the first time.

The championship returns to Houghton, which hosted the inaugural GolfRSA International Amateur Championship in 2024 where the Proteas Men’s and Women’s Teams swept both Team Competition titles.

The success of the launch event set the tone for what has quickly become one of the premier fixtures on the amateur golf calendar.

Among the debutants are husband-and-wife duo Renier and Crystal Janse van Rensburg, who earn their national colours for the SA Mid-Amateur Men’s Team and SA Mid-Amateur Women’s Team respectively.

Rising junior Cilliers Craig also breaks new ground as he receives his first call-up to the South African Junior Team, joining his older brother Roelof in the national junior line-up.

They are joined by fellow first-time representatives Charlotte Millard (Protea Women), Logan Leisher (Protea Men), Andries van der Vyver (Protea Junior Men), Vicki Traut (Protea Mid-Amateur Women), as well as Andrew Curlewis and Shaun le Roux (Protea Mid-Amateur Men).

GolfRSA Chief Executive Officer Grant Hepburn said the increased team representation and new caps underscore the strength of South Africa’s talent pipeline.

“The GolfRSA International Amateur Championship is one of our flagship international tournaments, and this year’s selections highlight just how deep and competitive our amateur system has become,” Hepburn said.

“Earning the chance to represent your country is a tremendous honour, and we’re incredibly proud of the nine players receiving their colours for the first time. They have earned their place in an event that is about opportunity, excellence, and inspiring the next generation of South African golfers.”

South African Golf Association President Henk Smith said that the diversity across the seven teams reflects the health of the sport nationwide.

“Having juniors, open amateurs, mid-amateurs and Presidents teams all competing on home soil is a celebration of South African golf at every level. The momentum from last year’s success, where our Proteas Men’s and Women’s Teams won both Team Competition titles, has carried through, and we look forward to another world-class contest at Houghton.”

With a blend of first-time internationals, seasoned performers and rising stars, the 2026 championship promises an exciting showcase of South African amateur golf.

The announcement also comes as several international teams finalise their entries, with Scotland and Réunion already confirming their participation.

Womens Golf South Africa President Susan Andrew said the increasing representation of women across multiple teams reflects the continued growth of female participation and excellence within the amateur game.

“It is incredibly encouraging to see so many women earning national colours across the different divisions this year. Their selection is a testament to the strength of our women’s programme and the opportunities created through GolfRSA’s development pathways. For the debutants especially, this is a milestone moment, and we are proud of how they have embraced the standard required to compete internationally. We look forward to watching them showcase their talent on home soil at Houghton.”

GolfRSA congratulates all selected players and looks forward to welcoming competing nations to Houghton Golf Club in February.

PROTEA MEN MID-AMATEUR

Renier Janse van Rensburg*
Andrew Curlewis*
Shaun le Roux*
Gareth Clements
Manager: Peet van Schalkwyk

JUNIOR PROTEA MEN
Dewan de Bruin
Cilliers Craig*
Roelof Craig
Andries van der Vyver*
Manager: Thinus Labuschagne

WOMEN’S PRESIDENT TEAM
Phenyo Sebata
Odette Booysen
Zayaan Hendricks
Manager: Letitia Roestoff

MEN’S PRESIDENTS TEAM
Mitch Phigeland
Timothy Daniels
Vuyisani Makama
Devon Valentine
Manager: Gregory de Doncker