Master’s student tees up for prestigious golf tournament

St Andrews Golf Scholar and Master’s student Judd Sundelson will tee it up this week in the 115th Investec South African Open Championship (26 February – 1 March 2026), securing his place in one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious national opens following a standout start to the season.

Judd earned his coveted spot in the championship after triumphing at the 2026 South African Amateur Championship earlier this year at Pretoria Country Club. The victory capped a remarkable run of form that has included two wins, a runnerup, and a thirdplace finish in the opening months of the season.

Adding further excitement to his championship debut, Judd will tee off alongside fourtime Major Champion Ernie Els in the first round, giving the St Andrews scholar a rare opportunity to compete shouldertoshoulder with one of South Africa’s greatest golfing icons.

The South African Open Championship is a DP World Tour event, placing Judd in the midst of elite professional competition. He will also be competing against seasoned tour players, including Patrick Reed, currently world number 18.

A member of Houghton Golf Club, Judd completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Nottingham, and recently completed his MSc in Finance and Banking at the University of St Andrews Business School, supported by The R&A. He is now pursuing his second Masters degree, an MLitt in Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asian Security Studies at St Andrews.

Judd is the reigning 2025 R&A Student Tour Series Order of Merit champion—the premier university circuit in Europe. He is also a member of the GolfRSA National Squad and has represented the GolfRSA UK Squad Tour over the past two years, gaining valuable international experience ahead of this week’s event. 

His achievements further highlight the continuing success of the University of St Andrews Golf Programme and the strength of the squad. Delivered through the prestigious Saints Golf Performance Scholarships, the programme provides world-class training, competition opportunities, and academic support that enable student-athletes to thrive in every aspect of their development. Its strength and sustainability are made possible through the generous backing of The R&A, the St Andrews Links Trust, and The 600 Club, our global community of dedicated supporters, whose commitment has helped establish the programme as a benchmark for excellence in university golf worldwide.

Judd now joins a worldclass field at the Investec South African Open, an event steeped in history and previously won by legends including Gary Player, Ernie Els, and Trevor Immelman, as he seeks to continue his exceptional earlyseason form on one of golf’s most storied stages.

University of St Andrews sports scholarships and awards are designed to attract and support exceptional student-athletes who wish to pursue their sport at a high level while studying at the University of St Andrews.

The University’s golf scholarships are supported by the 600 Club, a global community of donors and supporters, alongside The R&A, Saints Sport, and the St Andrews Links Trust — ensuring that student-athletes continue to thrive in the world’s most iconic golfing environment.