Golf · South African Sunshine Tour · 2026-2027

Date & time

15 Apr 2026, 07:00

Round

1

Location

Sasolburg, South Africa

The Sunshine Tour’s 2026/27 season commences at the Heron Banks Golf & River Estate for the Mediclinic Invitational. The primary challenge of the par-71, links-style course along the Vaal River is its exposed layout, where swirling winds often dictate the scoring pace. The objective for the 156-man field is to master the firm, pure-rolling greens and successfully navigate the "risk-reward" water hazards that line several of the closing holes. Strategically, the goal for the opening round is to capitalize on the reachable par-5s before the characteristic afternoon breezes intensify. The tactical focus for established stars and recent Qualifying School graduates is to maintain a conservative approach off the tee, prioritizing fairway position to avoid the thick rough. With a R2,500,000 prize fund and early-season Order of Merit points at stake, the ultimate goal is to card an opening score in the mid-60s to keep pace with an aggressive field.