A Daisy hat-trick for Barberton’s golfing stars

Barberton’s love affair with golf continued last week as the 52nd Barberton Daisy Golf Tournament brought four days of competition, camaraderie and plenty of time on the greens to the local golf course. This year’s tournament had an extra reason for local pride, with three Barbertonians taking top honours.  

For the first time in the history of the Daisy, there were three overall winners with a score of 142 points. Stephen Lea defended his 2025 title successfully, but had to share it with Duwies Duvenage and Riaan Klaver. It is the third time Lea won the Daisy since he started to play in 1997. 

The Barberton Daisy has become a much-loved fixture on the Lowveld golfing calendar. The tournament celebrated its 50th edition in 2024, marking a remarkable milestone for an event that has drawn golfers from across South Africa over the years. One such a family are the Scullards with the third generation attending this tournament. More than just a competition, the Daisy offers players an opportunity to renew friendships, enjoy the hospitality of Barberton and experience the town’s scenic golf course.

The weather played its part in adding a little character to this year’s tournament. Tuesday and Wednesday offered fairly cool conditions that made for comfortable golfing, but Friday and Saturday turned into a scorcher, putting players and their thirst to the test.

Fortunately, the course was in immaculate condition, with the greens looking their best and providing an excellent playing surface. With refreshment stops conveniently positioned along the course, there was no shortage of opportunities for golfers to replenish their liquid supplies before tackling the next hole. After all, a good round of golf requires concentration, skill and, on a hot Lowveld day, a well-stocked water bottle or, maybe, something else.

The competition remained lively throughout the four days, with players producing some impressive scores and battling for the daily honours. According to Gerhard Wessels, committee member, just over 60 golfers played during the four days.

The success of an event of this nature depends on more than good golf and favourable playing conditions. The support of sponsors helps make the tournament possible, and the club committee extended its thanks to MRA Insurance Brokers, Klaver Plant Hire, Triple “M” Mining (Pty) Ltd, S&B Mining and B&BM Bakery for their valued contributions.

As the 52nd Daisy draws to a close, the tournament once again demonstrated why it remains an important part of Barberton’s sporting and social calendar. With a course in excellent condition, spirited competition and the familiar pleasure of old friends meeting on the fairways, the Daisy continues to offer a winning combination. On behalf of the Barberton Golf Club Committee, Gerhard said that they would like to congratulate all the winners and thank everyone for their participation. "See you again next year."

The daily results were as follows:

Day 1

Leon Steenkamp – 38 points
Marius Pansegrouw – 37 points
Rhyno Schilling – 37 points (count-out)
Closest to the pin, holes 3 and 12: Riaan Klaver
Closest to the pin, holes 9 and 18: Percy Hollamby
Longest drive: Luan Lawsen
Longest day: Tom Holtzhausen

Day 2

Ricky Coetsee – 40 points
Fana Msibi – 39 points
Fiki Shongwe – 38 points
Closest to the pin, holes 3 and 12: Luan Lawsen
Closest to the pin, holes 9 and 18: Johan Nel
Longest drive: Justin van Staden
Longest day: Ruan van Wyk

Day 3

Stephen Lea – 41 points
Ricky Coetsee – 40 points
Mark Hollamby – 40 points
Closest to the pin, holes 3 and 12: Rassie Breedt
Closest to the pin, holes 9 and 18: Eugene Reyneke
Longest drive: Ricky Coetzee
Longest day: Piet Uys

Day 4

Duwies Duvenage – 67 points
Ricky Coetsee – 70 points
Heinrich Henning – 72 points (count-out)
Closest to the pin, holes 3 and 12: Ryno Viljoen
Closest to the pin, holes 9 and 18: Ricky Coetsee
Longest drive: Ricky Coetsee
Longest day: Dennie Taljaart

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