GolfRSA juniors bound for Europe

7 August 2026 – Nine of South Africa’s brightest young golfers will represent GolfRSA in three of the world’s leading junior championships in Scotland and Italy during August and September.

From 10-15 August, reigning South African Women’s Amateur champion Lisa Coetzer will spearhead the country’s challenge in the R&A Girls’ Amateur Championship, while Alexander Frankel and Henry Walters tee it up in the R&A Boys’ Amateur Championship in Scotland.

Lourenda Steyn, the 2026 Zimbabwe Junior Open girls’ champion, and fellow GolfRSA National Squad members Kaitlyn van de Vyver and Maegan Webster will join Coetzer at Craigielaw Golf Club and the quartet will be accompanied by GolfRSA’s Manager: World Handicap System & Related Projects, Lara Weinstein.

Walters, a two-time national junior champion this season, will line up at Gailes Links alongside Frankel, who helped Paul Roos Gymnasium A claim consecutive SA High Schools Championship titles last week. Travelling with the pair is GolfRSA National Squad coach Anna Becker-Frankel.

In September, four of South Africa’s brightest young talents head to Italy for the 19th Reply Italian International Under-16 Championship – Teodoro Soldati Trophy at Golf Club Biella from 2-4 September.

The quartet features three players in the top 10 of the current GolfRSA Under-19 Rankings – Schalk van Ettinger, Alexander Frankel and Evan Marais – and reigning Nedbank Junior Challenge champion and current Under-15 number one Yieke Ajulu. The group will be managed by South African Golf Association Junior Vice-President Thinus Labuschagne and executive committee member Craig Collins.

Together, these international assignments underline GolfRSA’s ongoing investment in creating opportunities for the country’s most talented young golfers to test themselves against the world’s best and continue South Africa’s proud tradition of excellence on the international stage.

Competing in these prestigious international championships is a key component of GolfRSA’s long-term player development pathway, says GolfRSA CEO Grant Hepburn.

“Competing against the world’s best juniors on renowned championship venues challenges our players both technically and mentally, while exposing them to different playing conditions and cultures. These experiences accelerate their development, build confidence and prepare them for the demands of elite amateur and, ultimately, professional golf.

“We are proud to provide these opportunities and look forward to watching our players represent South Africa with distinction. The experience gained in Scotland and Italy will add another important chapter to the development of GolfRSA’s emerging talent as the players continue their pursuit of success on the international stage.”