STELLENBOSCH, 10 December 2025 – South Africa’s No. 1 amateur, Charl Barnard, headlines the quintet of leading amateurs invited to tee it up in the 2026 Investec South African Open Championship at Stellenbosch Golf Club from 26 February – 1 March.

The reigning South African Amateur champion is eager for a stronger showing after his debut in last year’s weather-shortened edition at Durban Country Club, where rounds of 77 and 72 saw him miss the cut. With significantly more experience behind him, Barnard welcomes the chance for redemption on one of world golf’s most historic stages.

Joining him are South Africa’s No. 3 and No. 4 amateurs, Dian Kruger and Logan Leisher, both making their first appearance in the world’s second-oldest national open.

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Two additional amateur spots will be awarded to the winners of the 2026 Africa Amateur and 2026 South African Amateur Championships, with their names added to the field upon the conclusion of those events in early February.

Barnard recently represented South Africa alongside Johndre Ludick at the 28th Juan Carlos Tailhade Cup in Argentina. His composed level-par 71 in the final round helped secure South Africa’s 11th-successive top-five finish, ending tied for fourth with Puerto Rico. He backed that up with a top 20 finish in the Argentine Amateur Stroke Play.

“I’m thrilled to get another chance to play in the SA Open,” said Barnard, who also received an invitation to compete in the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour co-sanctioned Alfred Dunhill Championship this week. “Last year taught me a lot about handling pressure at this level. I felt like I was just finding my feet with my level-par second round when the weather intervened, and that stayed with me. This year I feel better prepared, stronger mentally, and more aware of what’s required to compete with world-class professionals. It’s a huge honour, and it’s a chance to show myself, and GolfRSA, what I can really do on that stage.”

Kruger has enjoyed an outstanding year on local soil and excelled for South Africa at the All Africa Junior Team Championship, the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup, and the Junior Dutch Open.

The Pretoria teenager is relishing his first SA Open start. “You work hard to be in a position to take opportunities like these,” said Kruger. “To play in the SA Open is something you dream about as a young golfer. I know it’s going to be a huge test, but it’s exactly the kind of test I want at this point in my career. The chance to learn from some of the very best players in the world, to feel that atmosphere and compete inside the ropes with them, is incredibly motivating. This is one of those special moments that could become one of the most important of my career.”

Leisher continues one of the most remarkable rises in recent GolfRSA history. Having taken up the game only in 2020 during the Covid pandemic, he captured a breakthrough international victory at the MCB Indian Ocean Open in Mauritius. His blistering form this season also earned Leisher his debut selection for the Protea Men’s Team for the 2026 GolfRSA International Amateur, alongside Kruger, Barnard and Johndre Ludick.

“To be in the SA Open is amazing,” said Leisher. “Sometimes I still have to remind myself how far things have come in such a short time. To go from picking up a club for the first time during lockdown to competing in South Africa’s national Open is surreal. But it’s also a massive opportunity to measure my game honestly against some of the best pros in South Africa, and some of the best golfers in the world. I want to soak up every moment, learn as much as I can, and hopefully show that I belong out there.”

South African Golf Association President Henk Smith expressed his pride in the quality of amateurs stepping onto the SA Open stage.

“All three players have consistently shown their abilities, and we are thrilled that talents like them have emerged over the past year,” he said. “We have no doubt they will give an excellent account of themselves in a championship that always demands, and reveals, the kind of golfer South Africa can be proud of on the world stage.”

Grant Hepburn, CEO of GolfRSA, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of amateur invitations in shaping future champions.

“The SA Open has always been a proving ground for South Africa’s next generation, and this year’s group embodies the strength and depth of our amateur programme,” said Hepburn. “Charl, Dian and Logan have each shown exceptional commitment, resilience and talent throughout the season, and these invitations recognise not only their achievements but their potential. We are confident they will embrace this opportunity and continue the proud tradition of South African amateurs shining on one of golf’s greatest stages.”

The amateurs will join a world-class professional field already confirmed for the world’s second oldest Open.

Among those set to headline in the Sunshine and DP World Tours showpiece in Stellenbosch are defending champion Dylan Naidoo, and a strong contingent of former champions and multiple DP World Tour including Dean Burmester, Thriston Lawrence, Branden Grace, Richard Sterne, Hennie Otto, Brandon Stone, Daniel van Tonder, English pair Chris Paisley and Andy Sullivan, and Scotsman Richard Ramsay.