Investec SA Open Championship
The 113th edition of the Investec South African Open will be played at the challenging Blair Atholl Golf & Equestrian Estate, 30 Nov ‒ 3 Dec 2023. Thriston Lawrence (pictured) will be defending his championship title.
Investec SA Open Championship | Always reach for the extraordinary, no matter the challenge.
DP World Tour tournament
The SA Open Championship is one of only five DP World Tour-sanctioned tournaments and the second oldest National Open in the world after The Open Championship.
Now in its 113th year, the 4-day tournament is played over 72 holes, showcasing 156 pro golfers.
The Investec SA Open Championship offers a significant minimum prize purse of $1.5 million.
This year sees the introduction of a $100,000 Order of Merit prize. The prize runs throughout the first season or "swing" of the DP World Tour, consisting of six events. The leaders of this Order of Merit will also receive an invite to the first Rolex event in 2024.
Investec is an organisation firmly rooted in South Africa and, as title sponsor of both South African Opens, we believe we can continue to contribute to a game so many are passionate about. Peta Dixon - Investec head of sponsorships
The brutal but beautiful Blair Atholl
A common word used to describe Blair Atholl course is “long”. The course is known as the third-longest golf course in the world.
It stretches to a mammoth 7,527m off the back tees. Last year, temperatures soared beyond 30° Celsius on the tournament's final day – and this year it's not expected to be any easier.
The Gary Player-designed course might be challenging, but its scale offers unusually wild scenery. So whilst following the play you may spot some wildlife too!
Elated Lawrence claims victory in 2022
The South African held off his playing partner, Frenchman Clément Sordet, to finish with an overall 16-under 272.
Thriston Lawrence had been in control all week. After opening the tournament with an eight-under-par 64, he had led after every round at the Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate in Lanseria.
He started the final day with a five shot lead, but made some errors on the back nine, and eventually clinched his maiden Investec SA Open Championship with a two-over 74.
The relieved Lawrence put his victory down to years of experience and finding "match-mentality" when it most counted.
"For a time I wasn't sure I was going to do it. At the end it looked like everything was falling apart. But I hung in hard, and pulled it through. It's all about experience and being able to focus on the moment when the pressure is on."
This is what you dream of, to win your national open. This is by far my most accomplished victory ever.
This Investec SA Open Championship win sees Lawrence earn €242 179 (R4.4 million) for his victory and sees him climb up to a career-best World Golf Ranking position.
Apart from his three DP World Tour wins, this season Lawrence has six Top 10 finishes and he's become the first South African to be named the DP World Tour's Rookie of the Year.
Crowds braving the heat and catching their favourite players on the side of the Blair Atholl golf course.
Investec's longstanding history in golf
Investec’s involvement with golf began in 2008, with a 12-year title sponsorship of the Investec Royal Swazi Open.
Expansion into the 'Chase to the Investec Cup' followed and the current prized 8-year partnership and title sponsorship of the Investec South African Women’s Open, until 2025. Investec also sponsors the Investec Order of Merit and the Investec Homegrown Award.
For many years Investec has also backed multiple golf professionals. Most recently they welcomed Zethu Myeki to the strong female contingent of athletes, including Nicole Garcia, Stacy Bregman and Northern Irish pro Stephanie Meadow.
Thriston Lawrence being presented the Investec Winner's blazer by Investec bank limited CEO, Richard Wainwright.
L - R: Tournament winner Thriston Lawrence; Investec head of sponsorships Peta Dixon, leading amateur Christian Maas and Investec head of marketing SA Heather Casey