Jacques Van Der Merwe Secures Second Consecutive Betway Big Easy Tour Title

Reading, South Africa – Jacques Van Der Merwe has claimed his second Betway Big Easy Tour title in as many starts, achieving a remarkable come-from-behind victory in the sixth event of the season held at Reading Country Club. This win places him among an elite few to achieve back-to-back victories on the Sunshine Tour’s feeder circuit.

A Stunning Final Round Surge

Van Der Merwe, representing Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, began the final round a challenging five shots behind the leader, Mark Maart of the Papwa Sewgolum Class. However, while Maart struggled to a final round of 71, Van Der Merwe produced a near-perfect six-under-par 65. This exceptional performance was enough to secure a one-shot victory.

His winning round was highlighted by an eagle, five birdies, and just a solitary bogey, demonstrating both his aggressive play and his ability to minimize errors under pressure. Van Der Merwe’s total score for the tournament was 204 (69, 70, 65).

Sunshine Tour Card Within Reach

With two wins already this season, Jacques Van Der Merwe has significantly strengthened his position on the Betway Big Easy Tour Order of Merit standings, where he is now ranked second after this week’s event. This favorable standing means he practically has one hand on his 2026 Sunshine Tour card, which is awarded to the top 12 players on the Order of Merit at the end of the season.

Final Leaderboard and Tour Context

Mark Maart, despite his efforts for a breakthrough win, finished in a share of second place with Daniel Cronje and Kian Rose, who made an impressive debut on the Betway Big Easy Tour at Reading.

The Betway Big Easy Tour serves as the official feeder circuit for the Sunshine Tour and receives support from golf legends like Ernie Els. It plays a crucial role in developing emerging talent and providing a pathway for players to advance to the main professional tour.

Final Scores (Top finishers):

204 – Jacques Van der Merwe 69 70 65
205 – Daniel Cronje 69 69 67, Kian Rose 66 69 70, Mark Maart 64 70 71
206 – Joe Sullivan 68 70 68
209 – Richard Joubert 72 71 66, Lyle Pedro 72 67 70, Tiago Jorge Swart 69 70 70, Matt Millar 70 67 72, Therion Nel 70 67 72
210 – Jason Froneman 68 72 70

Missed the Cut:

144 – Steven Le Roux 69 75, Austin Cherichella 71 73, Vaughn van Deventer 73 71, Travis Ladner 73 71, Reece Mc Kain 71 73, Brandon Gildenhuys 71 73, Haydn Porteous 75 69, Matthew Bennett 76 68, Dillon Germshuys 74 70
145 – Hunter Walker 73 72, Sabelo Xolani Majola 77 68
146 – Regan Steyn 70 76, Drikus Joubert 73 73, Jonathan Ackerman 72 74, Andre Van Zyl 72 74, Keelan Africa 77 69
147 – Jabulane Mabilane 73 74, Brandon-Jude Rennie 69 78, Matthew Dennis 72 75, John Bele 70 77, Francois van Staden 79 68, Louis Liebenberg 74 73, Khanya Mkhize 74 73
148 – Kyle Lucas 75 73, Wade Jacobs 74 74, Tiger Adams 78 70
149 – Teboho Sefatsa 76 73, James Pennington 76 73, Oliver Goldhill 74 75, Jastice Mashego 75 74, Liam Ross 71 78
150 – Wandre Snyman 80 70, Irvin Mosate wa Mazibuko 78 72, Khaya Jika 72 78
151 – Chandler Shaw 75 76, Tafadzwa Nyamukondiwa 72 79, Mandla Dlamini Jnr 78 73
152 – Richard Kruger 75 77
153 – LB Boshoff 75 78, Hannes Strooh 76 77
154 – Keagan Crosbie 73 81, Carl Mwale 79 75, Janko van der Merwe 81 73
155 – Ace Andile Adam 79 76, Austin Mashego 80 75, John Palm 78 77, Jarryd Govender 81 74, Alphius Kelapile 78 77
157 – Shaheed Patel 79 78
158 – Kael Strydom 80 78
159 – Tawriq Abrahams 81 78
161 – Richard Shi 76 85
162 – M-Jay Xaba 82 80
163 – Kyle Kistensamy 84 79
170 – Robert Mavundla 86 84
WDN – Slenda Sithebe 82 WDN, Lwazi Gqira 83 RTD, Ricco Motsa RTD, Umar Davids 82 RTD, Kian Coetzer 80 DSQ