Golf | Masters invitation for 2026 Investec South African Open champion

The winner of the 2026 Investec South African Open will receive an invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament and a place on one of the most iconic stages in the game.

The Sunshine Tour announced on Tuesday that Augusta National Golf Club has, as part of its 2026 qualifications, confirmed a place in its field for the winner of the 2026 Investec South African Open, which will be played at Stellenbosch Golf Club from 26 February to 1 March.

Further to this, The R&A has also stated its intention to retain the 2026 Investec South African Open as part of The Open Qualifying Series (OQS) for The 154^th Open at Royal Birkdale.

The national Open will now be the direct pathway into two of the most iconic Majors in the game for Sunshine Tour members.

“This is a historic moment for both our national Open and the Sunshine Tour. It is a powerful endorsement of the Sunshine Tour’s status as a strong and sustainable Tour, and further recognition of our role as a valued member of the global golf eco system and at the highest level of the game,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.

“As a Tour we have always been focused on representing the entire depth of our 250-strong membership and giving our members the best possible opportunities, through increased prize money on our Tour, more playing opportunities, the ability to showcase their talent and our game through our local and international broadcast platforms, and a global pathway onto the biggest stages such as the Majors through our Strategic Alliance with the DP World Tour and PGA Tour. This announcement is the exact representation of our belief that greatness begins here, on the Sunshine Tour.

“Whether its playing on the DP World Tour or PGA Tour, competing in the Majors, or representing South Africa in the Presidents Cup or the Olympic Games, the Sunshine Tour is a Tour of opportunity where our members can truly live out their biggest dreams for their careers.”

GolfRSA CEO Grant Hepburn said: “The Investec South African Open is the crown jewel of our national golfing calendar and one of the oldest national Opens in the world. As the custodian of this prestigious championship, GolfRSA is proud to see it recognised as a gateway to two of the game’s greatest stages — The Masters and The Open. This announcement underscores the championship’s global stature and the vital role it plays in inspiring the next generation of South African go"