Ernie Els headlines a strong South African field at the NTT Data Pro-Am events at Fancourt from Thursday.
The four-time Major winner and former world No 1 has added his name to a stellar field for the men’s tournament, which is co-sanctioned with the Sunshine Tour and HotelPlanner Tour.
“I have such wonderful memories of this tournament throughout my career, and I’m looking forward to playing in it again,” said Els. “They have been such a loyal and longstanding partner of the Sunshine Tour.
“The Sunshine Tour is where I started my career and I’ve always come back to play here whenever I can. It’s going to be great to see some old faces and a few of the youngsters on the Tour as well.”
Els will be joined in the field of one of the Sunshine Tour’s most historic tournaments by rising star Casey Jarvis, who won twice in three weeks on the Sunshine Tour this season, as well as defending champion Wilco Nienaber and a host of the Tour’s other recent champions and young stars.
With his dominant seven-shot victory last year, Nienaber joined an exclusive club of only four players to have won this title twice in its 31-year history, including Nick Price, Darren Fichardt and Oliver Bekker.
“I’m excited to return to Fancourt to try and defend my title. It’s a privilege to be one of the few multiple winners of such a prestigious tournament. I love Fancourt, and every single one of the golf courses there,” said Nienaber.
The NTT Data Ladies’ Pro-Am brought to you by Standard Bank also boasts an impressive lineup, with Danielle du Toit back to defend her title after she beat Lee-Anne Pace in a playoff last year. Pace is also in the field as the most successful golfer in the history of the Sunshine Ladies Tour and a former champion of this tournament who also boasts three runners-up finishes.
And young star Kaiyuree Moodley, the winner of last season’s R&A Rookie of the Year on the Sunshine Ladies Tour, returns to a tournament where she made her professional debut.
“It was a dream to make my professional debut in this event last year, and to play at Fancourt,” she said. “They have fantastic golf courses there. We also get to play with the Sunshine Tour professionals, and that in itself was a learning experience for me.
“I’m really excited to go back. Watching Danielle win it last year and what it did for her career, I remember thinking it would be amazing to win this tournament one day.”
The strength of both fields is confirmation of a week that will be a true celebration of golf excellence in a tournament that has in its 31-year history featured men’s champions including Major winners, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup stars, and former world No 1s; and a ladies’ tournament that since 2014 has been a cornerstone of the Sunshine Ladies Tour.
The Sunshine Tour and HotelPlanner Tour professionals will compete for a total purse of R7-million over the three golf courses of the Montagu, Outeniqua and Links.
The Sunshine Ladies Tour professionals can look forward to an increased purse of R2.5-million as they compete on the Montagu and Outeniqua courses.
“The 2026 NTT Data Pro-Am represents a meaningful opportunity for us to continue elevating the sport across Africa,” says Thembeka Ngugi, head of marketing, NTT Data Middle East and Africa.
“This tournament brings together world‑class talent, inspiring young athletes and seasoned professionals alike, in an environment that celebrates excellence, diversity and community. Our partnership with Standard Bank strengthens this vision even further and together, we are creating opportunities, expanding access, and showcasing the transformative impact that sport and collaboration can have across the continent.”
“We are immensely proud to support the NTT Data Pro‑Am series as the headline sponsor this year. As an organisation, we have an abiding belief in the power of sports to change lives for the better.
“Amongst other things, through this sponsorship, we aim to drive diversity, encourage inclusion, and support the aspirations of the talent participating. The increased prize money for the ladies’ tournament, along with the quality of participants across both fields, affirms this ambition.
“We hope this tournament will serve as a catalyst for future aspiring golfers of all genders and backgrounds,” says Steve Barnes, head of corporate and investment banking for South Africa at Standard Bank.
Both tournaments will also feature a showcase of sports stars and celebrities, with live coverage on SuperSport.
Photo: Sunshine Tour