Student Golfer Competes at the 2026 South African Open

A Master’s student at the University of St Andrews, Judd Sundelson, has competed at the 2026 Investec South African Open Championship at Stellenbosch Golf Club. 

His victory in the 26-hole final of the 2026 South African Amateur Championship at Pretoria Country Club secured him a place at the Investec South African Open Championship from 26 February to 1 March. This marks a strong start to the season for Sundelson, with two tournament wins, a runner-up finish, and a third-place result.

First held in 1903, the South African Open Championship is one of the oldest national opens in the world and part of the Dubai Ports World Tour. Sundelson played alongside world-renowned players such as Major Champion Ernie Els and tour player Patrick Reed. 

Sundelson is a member of the GolfRSA National Squad and represented the GolfRSA UK Squad Tour for the past two years. Sundelson previously completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nottingham before coming to the University of St Andrews. Sundelson is currently pursuing an MLitt in Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asian Security Studies after recently finishing his MSc in Finance and Banking. 

For the University’s Saints Golf Performance programme, Sundelson’s participation marks a major milestone. His recent victory at the South African Amateur Championship is described by the Athletic Union President, Amy Gordon, as one of “the most significant individual victories in the history of our programme.” 

His victory also highlights the standard of golf performance at the University of St Andrews; Gordon asserted that the current programme has “never been in a stronger position.”

The St Andrews team won both the men’s and women’s R&A Student Tour Series Order of Merit in 2025, representing a significant moment in the programme's history. Other St Andrews golfers have produced great performances at the elite amateur level beyond university competitions, such as Ellie Monk’s victory at the 2024 Scottish Women’s Open or Caitlin Maurice’s participation at the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship.

The Saints Golf Performance programme aims at ensuring academic and athletic success for students, producing strong performances across university golf. Gordon commended the support of partners of the golf programme, such as the R&A, PING, and the Rusacks Hotel, asserting that “achievements like these would not be possible without the continued support of partners.”

The programme is also supported by the Union and the University to help students balance academic commitments with high-level competitions.

Photo Courtesy of The University of St Andrews