Vodacom Origins of Golf Tournament Wrap-Up
Vodacom Origins of Golf TOURNAMENT WRAP UP - SEPTEMBER 2025
A LANDMARK WEEK IN THE MIDLANDS
For the first time, Gowrie Farm Lodge & Golf Course proudly hosted the Vodacom Origins of Golf, South Africa’s premier pro-am on the Sunshine Tour. In a week defined by mist, resilience, and remarkable performances, Gowrie Farm stepped into the national spotlight as Haydn Porteous ended a nine-year wait for victory.
THE TOURNAMENT
The week at Gowrie Farm opened with two lively Pro-Am days on Wednesday, 10 and Thursday, 11 September, where business personalities from across South Africa joined Sunshine Tour and Sunshine Ladies Tour professionals on the fairways. The Pro-Am was won by Gowrie Farm member Colin Hardie, who amassed 85 points playing alongside Sunshine Tour professionals Warwick Purchase and Dylan Mostert. His victory also earned him a place in the Vodacom Origins of Golf Pro-Am Final at Pezula Championship Course in November.
From Friday, 12 September, the focus shifted to the professional tournament. Professionals from both the Sunshine Tour and Sunshine Ladies Tour competed side by side for equal prize money. Due to persistent Midlands mist, the tournament was shortened to 36 holes, heightening the drama and making every shot count.
In the end, Haydn Porteous claimed victory at seven-under-par, carding rounds of 66 and 69. His victory was all the more poignant as it marked his first Sunshine Tour win since 2016, ending a drought of nearly nine years.
A chasing pack of seven players finished just one shot behind on six-under-par: Kyle McClatchie, Herman Loubser, Luke Jerling, Allen John, Estiaan Conradie, Daniel van Tonder, and Austin Bautista. In the women’s field, Gabrielle Venter led the way with rounds of 70 and 69 to finish three-under-par and tied for 19th overall.
“Porteous’s victory was his first on the Sunshine Tour since 2016 - making Gowrie Farm the scene of a powerful comeback.” – Compleat Golfer
MOMENTS TO REMEMBER
The week at Gowrie Farm was not only about who lifted the trophy, but also about the history and milestones written along the way.
A course-record 64 by Ruan Conradie lit up the fairways, while Jake Redman’s hole-in-one on the par-3 12th added a spark of magic to the tournament. For the Gowrie Farm community, a proud moment came as Matt Saulez teed it up for his first Sunshine Tour start on home soil - a fitting reminder of the talent nurtured on these Midlands fairways.
And, above all, we salute our newly crowned Vodacom Origins of Golf Champion, Haydn Porteous, whose perseverance and victory brought a powerful close to this historic week.
WOMEN ON THE FAIRWAYS
The Vodacom Origins of Golf stands apart by bringing together Sunshine Tour and Sunshine Ladies Tour professionals, competing side by side for equal prize money. Gabrielle Venter’s strong finish underscored the growing impact of women in the field, with her three-under placing her firmly inside the top 20.
“By competing side by side for equal prize money, the Vodacom Origins of Golf continues to lead inclusivity in the sport.” – WeWomenGolf
GOWRIE FARM'S MOMENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Jonathan Menteath, Golf Director at Gowrie Farm, reflected: “It was a feather in our cap just to get the tour event at Gowrie Farm. It shows our course is of high quality - and that we are always listening, always improving. The feedback from professionals has already prompted enhancements to holes 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 - changes that will benefit members, guests and future competitors.”
He added: “The finish was tense, and seeing Haydn Porteous win here was special. I’ve known him since his junior days - to see him reclaim a career-defining moment at Gowrie Farm felt right. The staff’s execution was first-class; I’ve worked many tour events, and our team matched any I’ve seen. This is just the start for Gowrie Farm.”
DALE HAYES ON THE EVENT
Dale Hayes, SA golf legend and Gowrie Farm partner, offered this reflection: “South Africa’s best young professional golfers tested themselves on the unique Gowrie Farm layout. Mist reduced the event to 36 holes, but the course was in excellent condition so soon after winter, and the scoring reflected that.
“After round one, Dylan Mostert led with a superb 7-under-par, just one shot ahead of Ryan van der Klis, with a further eight players clustered on 5-under. The stage was set for a tight finish.
“On the second day, Haydn Porteous posted a score of 7-under across the two rounds and then endured hours of waiting to see if anyone would match him. In the end, he held on by a single shot over a group of seven players. That group included Kyle McClatchie, Herman Loubser, Luke Jerling, Allen John, Estiaan Conradie, Daniel van Tonder and Austin Bautista — the previous week’s winner. Bautista came closest, nearly chipping in for eagle on the final hole. His attempt slipped by, leaving Porteous the winner and ending a drought that stretched back nine years.”
LEGACY & LOOKING AHEAD
Hosting the Vodacom Origins of Golf reaffirmed Gowrie Farm’s championship pedigree, its ability to adapt, and its place in South African golf.
- Course Credibility: National broadcast, positive professional feedback, and a thrilling finish positioned Gowrie Farm as a serious host venue.
- Adaptive Growth: Planned enhancements to five holes show Gowrie Farm’s commitment to constant refinement.
- Tourism & Profile: Exposure on SuperSport and coverage across leading golf publications put Gowrie Farm firmly on the map for local and international visitors.
- Emotional Victory: Porteous’s return to the winner’s circle gives Gowrie Farm a place in the narrative arc of South African golf.
“The Vodacom Origins of Golf delivered drama in the mist at Gowrie Farm, with Porteous edging a packed leaderboard.” – SuperSport
WITH THANKS
Gowrie Farm extends heartfelt gratitude to the Sunshine Tour, Vodacom, SAGDB, players, members, staff, and volunteers who trusted us with this milestone event. The week reflected not only the calibre of the game but the strength of community and commitment that defines Gowrie Farm. As we look ahead to unveiling course enhancements and welcoming more visitors, we carry forward the confidence this tournament has placed in us - ready for future chapters on our Midlands fairways.
Yours aye,
The Gowrie Farm Team
