Investec has announced an expanded commitment to women's professional golf in South Africa, including an increased prize purse for the Investec South African Women's Open, a renewed five-year partnership with the Sunshine Ladies Tour, and the signing of two new sponsored players.
PRIZE PURSE INCREASE, RENEWED PARTNERSHIP AND NEW PLAYER SIGNINGS
In 2027, Investec will increase the Investec South African Women’s Open prize purse by a further R1 million, reinforcing its belief in the continued growth and recognition of women’s golf, with the total prize purse set at a minimum of €400 000 (nearly R7.5 million).
This makes it the highest-paying women's professional golf tournament in Southern Africa. Players will also compete for the R200 000 Investec Order of Merit Bonus Prize and the R100 000 Investec Homegrown Award Bonus Prize.
Investec has also recently extended its title sponsorship of both the Investec South African Open and the Investec South African Women's Open for a further five years, while renewing its patronage of the Papwa Sewgolum Class (transformation golf), reinforcing its support of South African golf and the long-term development of local talent.
At the same time, Investec has expanded its roster of sponsored golfers with the addition of Symone Henriques and Zanè Kleynhans, who join Kaiyuree Moodley, Ivanna Samu and Nicole Garcia.
STRENGTHENING THE PATHWAY FOR SOUTH AFRICAN PLAYERS
Peta Dixon, Head of Sponsorships at Investec South Africa, said the announcements reflect Investec’s belief that lasting progress in the women’s game depends on creating the right conditions for players to thrive and succeed.
“We’re invested in the long-term potential of South African golf and in the players helping to shape its future. Strong national tournaments, visible role models and a competitive professional environment all matter if the game is to continue growing. That's where we believe we can make a meaningful contribution."
Women and girls are the fastest-growing segment in golf globally, with female participation increasing by more than 40 per cent since 2019 and women now accounting for around 60 per cent of all new golfers entering the game.
For Investec’s newly sponsored players, sponsorship helps ease some of the practical pressures of building a professional career, including travel, tournament costs and the certainty that comes with longer-term support.
"Professional golf quickly taught me how demanding the game can be, both financially and mentally, especially when competing against some of the best players in South Africa and abroad," said Henriques.
"Being able to represent a brand like Investec, which has played such an important role in growing the women’s game, is a dream. Investec's sponsorship of the South African Women's Open creates more opportunities for female golfers, raises the profile of the game and inspires the next generation of young girls to believe there is a future for them in golf."
Kleynhans said the sponsorship has given her added confidence at a formative stage of her career.
“To have a company like Investec believe in my potential gave me even more motivation to work hard and represent them with pride. I'd love to see golf become even more accessible and inclusive so that more young people have the opportunity to experience the game.”
RAISING THE LEVEL OF COMPETITION
Over the past five years, the Sunshine Ladies Tour has grown from six tournaments to ten, while total prize money has increased from approximately R6 million to around R28 million in 2026. Elche Abt, General Manager of the Sunshine Ladies Tour, said this growth has been made possible through partners who recognise the long-term potential of the professional game.
“The impact goes well beyond bigger prize funds,” said Abt. “More tournaments mean more competitive playing opportunities, stronger player development and a clearer pathway to the international stage. South Africa has produced three players over the past five years who have reached the highest levels of the LET and LPGA, and our ambition is to ensure many more South African professionals can follow in their footsteps.”
An increased prize purse also changes the practical economics of the game. It helps players compete more consistently, attracts stronger fields and raises the standard of competition, better preparing South African professionals for success beyond the local tour.
Abt said continued corporate support remains essential to sustaining this progress.
“If we want more South African professionals to compete internationally, we need stronger fields, more playing opportunities and partners who are willing to invest in the game over the long term. Investec’s support has helped raise the profile of the tour and shown what consistent backing can make possible.”