Sixty-five players teed it up for the 2026 Atlantic Beach Open, facing a true test of links golf on a cold and crisp winter morning. Under eerie skies, players were challenged throughout the day, with accuracy into the greens proving the key to scoring.

After the opening round, Shaun le Roux (Westlake) and Taahir Mallick (Rondebosch) were the only two players to break par, both posting impressive rounds of 71 (-1). Home club member Chris Strydom remained well within striking distance after carding a level-par 72.

As the afternoon progressed, light drizzle rolled in from the Atlantic Ocean, making an already demanding layout even more difficult. Local knowledge began to show as Atlantic Beach members Craig Jacobs and Joshua Wiese climbed the leaderboard alongside Dan Copeman of King David Mowbray.

At the conclusion of the Round 2, Jacobs, Strydom and le Roux finished tied at the top of the leaderboard, forcing a playoff for the third consecutive year at the Atlantic Beach Open.

Returning to the drivable par-four 18th hole, the title was decided in spectacular fashion. Jacobs seized the opportunity, rolling in a birdie putt to delight the home supporters and claim the 2026 Atlantic Beach Open title on home soil.

Women’s Division

The Women’s Division produced another excellent contest, with Zayaan Hendricks (Atlantic Beach) taking control of the championship early by opening up a six-shot advantage over Kaitlyn van de Vyver (Royal Cape). Fellow Atlantic Beach member Candice Woodbridge remained firmly in contention, sitting just two shots behind Van de Vyver after the opening round.

The deteriorating afternoon conditions tested the field, but Hendricks displayed composure throughout the final round to maintain her advantage and secure the Women’s Division title. Odette Booysen produced a steady afternoon performance to climb into third place and round off an impressive championship.

Congratulations to Craig Jacobs and Zayaan Hendricks on their outstanding victories, and to Atlantic Beach Golf Club for hosting another memorable edition of the Atlantic Beach Open.