Graham van der Merwe continued his quest for a maiden Sunshine Tour title as he posted a magnificent seven-under-par 63 to take the first-round lead in the Sunbet Challenge hosted by Sun Sibaya at The Woods at Mount Edgecombe on Wednesday.
Van Der Merwe produced a round of seven birdies, an eagle and two bogeys to lead by two shots over a strong group of players including Courier Guy Order of Merit leader, Samuel Simpson, and multiple DP World Tour champion George Coetzee.
“Today was a good day. The first round you always want to settle yourself in and start pushing a bit later, but the putts started dropping and I was just managing myself well. I wasn’t hitting it unbelievably, but I was scoring great by making all the putts I needed to make,” said Van Der Merwe, who also enjoyed a chip-in for eagle on the par-four fourth hole.
“The chip-in for eagle really catapulted me into a nice low round.”
🏌️♂️Hear from club house leader Graham Van Der Merwe as he reflects on his opening round of 63(-7)⛳️#greatnessbeginshere #sunshinetour pic.twitter.com/336ILK3ZiH
— Sunshine Tour (@Sunshine_Tour) September 9, 2026
Van Der Merwe made good use of an early start in glorious weather conditions, adding seven birdies to compliment the eagle and dropping two shots.
“We were fortunate with the weather this morning, and the course is in immaculate condition. On these types of holes you can make quick bogeys if you are not careful, so I am not too upset about the drops. I am happy with my position going into the next two days with not a whole lot that needs to change. It all depends on the weather as it makes it difficult to plan ahead if you are dealing with the wind, so I won’t get too far ahead of myself, adjusting as needed.”
Van Der Merwe has already had five top-10s this year, which is a reflection of his shift in approach to enjoying the game more.
“My golf game has been in a good place for a while. I am a lot more settled and not too result orientated. I am more focused on enjoying playing the game and the people around me. This approach seems to help me a lot and hopefully I can pull anther good result this week,” he said.
“My golf game has been in a good place for a while. I am a lot more settled and not too result orientated. I am more focused on enjoying playing the game and the people around me. This approach seems o help me a lot and hopefully I can pull anther good result this week.”
SCORES
63 - Graham van der Merwe
65 - Jonathan Broomhead
65 - Kyle De Beer, Samuel Simpson, George Coetzee, Warwick Purchase, Haydn Porteous, Austin Bautista, Keenan Davidse
66 - Jbe Kruger
66 - Pieter Moolman, James Mack, Jacques Blaauw, Astin Arthur
67 - Nikhil Rama
67 - Jean Hugo, Doug McGuigan, Altin van der Merwe, Wynand Dingle, JJ Senekal, Malcolm Mitchell, Herman Loubser, Benjamin Kedochim, Ryan van der Klis
68 - Malan Potgieter
68 - Franklin Manchest, Dayne Moore, Christiaan Burke, Jaden Deltel, Ryan Welsh, Adam Breen, Stals Swart, Stuart Krog, Karabo Mokoena, Callum Bruce
69 - Carter Rowe
69 - Ricky Hendler, Jason Roets, Matthew Spacey, Martin Rohwer, Jean-Paul Strydom, Keanu Pestana, Mitch Phigeland, Wandre Snyman, Hennie O'Kennedy, Benjamin Van Wyk, Jaco Van Zyl, Luke Brown, Jaco Ahlers
70 - Shaunak Rama
70 - Rowan Lester, Thabiso Ngcobo, Albert Venter, Jaco Prinsloo, Conner Mackenzie, Lyle Rowe, Brandon Pieters, Rhys Enoch, Eric Wowor, Simon du Plooy, Anthony Michael, Rhys West, Kyle Barker, Trevor Fisher Jnr, Rupert Kaminski, Travis Ladner
71 - Ethan Smith
71 - Ruan Korb, Tyran Snyders, Gerhard Pepler, Tyrone Ryan, Allen John, Jacques P de Villiers, Neil Schietekat, Keegan Mclachlan, Quintin Wilsnach, Kian Rose, Matt Millar
72 - Alex Haindl
72 - Vuyisani Makama, Keagan Thomas, Dylan Mostert, Colin Nel
73 - Nyasha Muyambo
73 - Luke Jerling, Toto Thimba Jnr, Sean Cronje, Hayden Griffiths, Jared Harvey, Morris Schiefner, Cole Stevens, Tristen Strydom, Xander Basson, Minjun Heo, Oliver Goldhill, Thanda Mavundla
74 - Dillon Germshuys
74 - Thomas Spreadborough, Liam Grehan, Jacques Van der Merwe, Daniel Cronje, Charl Barnard, Jacquin Hess, Tristin Galant
75 - Mandla Dlamini Jnr
75 - Ethan Govender, Rourke van der Spuy, Travis Procter, Steven Le Roux, Martin Leon
76 - Rigardt Albertse
76 - Shaydon Johnson, Tristan Leonard, Otto Van Buynder, Robson Chinhoi
77 - SP Mthethwa
77 - Brandon-Jude Rennie, Lyle Pedro
78 - Dian Kruger
78 - Jordan Duminy