A crisp but perfect winter’s day greeted players at Westlake Golf Club as they embarked on a demanding 36-hole challenge for the 2026 Westlake Open title.

From the outset, the course offered scoring opportunities to those who found the fairways and attacked the flags. Andrew Georgiou (Erinvale) set the early pace with a superb opening-round 67, featuring six birdies and just one bogey. Pietie Loubser (Westlake) and Chris Strydom (Atlantic Beach) remained in close pursuit after carding rounds of 68.

The chasing pack mounted a strong challenge in the afternoon. Noah Lamb (Clovelly) produced an impressive second-round 68 to surge 14 places up the leaderboard, while Cole Cruickshank (Royal Cape) closed with a solid 69 to put himself firmly in contention.

Consistent golf from Pietie Loubser, with rounds of 68 and 71, secured him third place overall, while Evan Marais fired an excellent final-round 68 to move into second position. Despite the pressure, Georgiou remained composed, signing for a closing 70 to finish at seven-under-par and claim the title by a single stroke over Marais.

In the Women’s Division, Vicki Traut (Erinvale) asserted her dominance early with an opening-round 71. Westlake’s Odette Booysen sat just two shots behind after the first round, setting up an exciting finish.

The final round produced plenty of drama as Zayaan Hendricks (Atlantic Beach) surged into contention, highlighted by an eagle on the 5th hole. However, Traut held her nerve down the stretch, securing victory by one shot over Hendricks to add the 2026 Westlake Open Women’s title to her growing list of achievements.