The DP World Tour stages the second-oldest national Open in the world this week as the Investec South African Open returns to the Western Cape. One of the most prestigious events on the South African golfing calendar, this tournament carries deep history and regularly produces dramatic finishes.
This year, the field heads to Stellenbosch Golf Club, a venue that has not featured on the DP World Tour schedule since 1999. Below, we assess the week from a betting perspective and highlight a few suggested plays.
Course
Stellenbosch Golf Club returns to the tour in a modernised format, having undergone significant upgrades to test today’s professional game. The layout now plays as a par 70 measuring 7,213 yards (6,596 metres), giving it solid length for a parkland course.
Unlike many of the exposed desert layouts seen earlier in the season, Stellenbosch is a classic tree-lined parkland design, where positioning off the tee is crucial. Mature trees frame many fairways and punish wayward drives, forcing longer hitters to think carefully about club selection.
The course features relatively narrow landing areas, strategically placed bunkers, and well-protected greens that demand precision with mid-to-long irons. Missing fairways will make it extremely difficult to control spin and distance into the firm putting surfaces.
The greens are expected to run at championship speed and feature subtle undulations that reward confident putting. With wind often a factor in the Western Cape, players must manage trajectory carefully and remain disciplined throughout.
Historically, South African parkland venues tend to favour players who combine accuracy, controlled iron play, and strong course management rather than pure power.
In summary: Stellenbosch Golf Club will reward disciplined drivers, elite iron players, and confident putters. Avoiding mistakes is likely to be just as important as making birdies.
Past Winners
2025 Dylan Naidoo (South Africa) -14 Playoff
2024 No tournament
2023 Dean Burmester (South Africa) -11 3 strokes
2022 Thriston Lawrence (South Africa) -16 1 stroke
2021 Daniel van Tonder (South Africa) -16 1 stroke
Betting – Click here to bet
Jayden Schaper 11.00
Patrick Reed 11.00
Angel Ayora 13.00
Branden Grace 17.00
Dean Burmester 21.00
Hennie du Plessis 21.00
All prices correct at the time of writing and subject to change.
Golf Playoff
- Bets must be placed before the start of Round 1
- Pre-match bets only
- Single / straight bets only
- Free Bets do not qualify for this offer
- Refund must be claimed within 24 hours of the tournament finishing
- Free Bet vouchers received must be used within 7 days
- Maximum refund per account per day in Free Bets applies
- Free Bets terms and conditions apply
- To claim, email promotions@wsb.co.za with subject “Golf Playoff” within 24 hours of the tournament finishing
SELECTIONS:
Patrick Reed at 11.00
Reed has enjoyed a remarkable start to his 2026 DP World Tour campaign. After a steady 26th-place finish at the Dubai Invitational, he produced three outstanding performances in succession: victories at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and Qatar Masters, along with a runner-up finish at the Bahrain Championship.
His short game and competitive edge make him dangerous on any layout, and as the first major of the year approaches, he will be eager to maintain momentum. If he continues this form, he looks a major contender once again.
Suggested bet: Patrick Reed each way at 11.00
Casey Jarvis at 26.00
The last non-South African to win this event was Chris Paisley back in 2018. Since then, local players have dominated. Casey Jarvis looks well placed to continue that trend.
He arrives in excellent form after winning last weekend’s Kenya Open by three shots. Prior to that, he recorded a 13th-place finish and a top-10 result at the Bahrain Championship. His confidence will be high, and his familiarity with South African parkland conditions makes him a strong contender.
Suggested bet: Casey Jarvis each way at 26.00
Jayden Schaper at 11.00
Schaper has been one of the standout performers of the early season. He began with a runner-up finish at the Nedbank Challenge before claiming back-to-back victories at the Alfred Dunhill Championship and the Mauritius Open. Since then, he has added two top-10 finishes and another top-20 in four starts.
His controlled ball-striking and comfort on tight, tree-lined courses were evident at Royal Johannesburg, and those same qualities should serve him well at Stellenbosch. With form and confidence firmly on his side, he looks capable of mounting another serious challenge.
Suggested bet: Jayden Schaper each way at 11.00
Jacques Kruyswijk at 76.00
Kruyswijk represents solid each-way value on a tight, tree-lined parkland course that rewards accuracy and patience. Stellenbosch demands disciplined driving and strong iron play rather than pure power, which suits his game. As a local player comfortable in Western Cape conditions, he has the profile to quietly contend at a big price and he showed with a top 20 finish last week that he is in decent form.
Suggested bet: Jacques Kruyswijk each way at 76.00
Click here for all Investec South African Open 2025 Markets
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
