Zané Kleynhans - the youngster to watch

Where are you currently ranked and what is your proudest golfing achievement to date?
I'm currently ranked 18th on the Investec Order of Merit and third in the Rookie of the Year standings. After my first season as a professional, I'm proud to have made six cuts from eight events and finished tied fifth at the NTT DATA Ladies Pro-Am. It's given me confidence that I belong at this level and motivated me to keep building on those results.

What advice would you give aspiring young golfers who want to make a profession out of golf?
Stay patient and trust the journey. Focus on improving a little every day rather than chasing quick results.

How did your upbringing shape who you are now?
My family has shaped everything about who I am. They taught me discipline, respect, resilience and gratitude from a young age, but more importantly they've always believed in me. Whether it was driving me to tournaments, supporting me through difficult moments or celebrating the good ones, they've been behind me every step of the way. Their support has given me the confidence to keep chasing my dream.

How old were you when you started playing golf, and what drew you to the sport?
I was five-years-old when my dad first took me to the golf course. After watching me hit a few balls, he bought me my very first golf set. A little pink set that I absolutely loved. From that moment I was hooked. My dad introduced me to the game and became my first coach, but golf runs in the family. I was a model and won Miss South Africa when I was eight, but I told my mum when I was nine that I wanted to give up modelling and take up golf. Everyone was behind me, and by 14 I knew it was what I wanted to do as a career.

How has your golf career progressed?
My journey started with social golf before I began competing in tournaments as a junior. After moving from Ermelo to Johannesburg, I started working with a coach and joined Gauteng North at the age of 13. I represented the union for five years before earning the opportunity to represent South Africa internationally in Uganda and Japan. Turning professional was the next natural step, and I'm proud that I have Investec supporting me in my debut year as a pro. 

How did you feel when Investec approached you to be sponsored as a pro golfer?
It was an incredible honour. Knowing that a brand like Investec believes in my potential motivates me to work even harder. Professional golf is demanding, both on and off the course, so having that support gives me the confidence to keep pursuing my goals and competing at the highest level.

What do you believe can be achieved in the South African women’s golfing fraternity through Investec’s sponsorship of the South African Women’s Open?
Investec's investment in women's golf creates opportunities that simply didn't exist before. It gives young players something to aspire to, raises the standard of competition and shows that women's golf deserves recognition and support.

What or whom do you draw on to remain positive and get through adversity, on and off the golf course?
My faith and my family are my biggest sources of strength. I always remind myself that God comes first and trust that everything else will follow. My family has supported me throughout my journey, and my brother, Zandro, now caddies for me after a back injury ended his own competitive golf career. Having him on my bag makes a huge difference because he understands exactly what I'm going through. When I get frustrated, he keeps me calm, reminds me to stay positive and helps me focus on the next shot instead of the last one. My family's unwavering belief in me has given me the confidence to keep pushing forward and strive to be the best version of myself.

What’s the one improvement or change that you would like to make to the game of golf?
I'd love to see golf become more accessible to young people. There are so many talented players who don't have the financial support or opportunities to pursue the game. The more we can remove those barriers, the stronger the future of golf will be.

How do you keep a healthy balance between your personal life and your career?
My mum says that I "eat, drink and sleep golf," but I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends. We love going hiking, spending time at the beach, playing padel together or simply going out for dinner. Having one day each week away from golf helps me reset so I can come back refreshed and ready to train again.