Schiefner, Raad and SA Teams shine in GolfRSA International Amateur

13 February 2026 – Germany’s Morris Schiefner stood atop the men’s leaderboard and Gia Raad led the women’s field were confirmed as champions when bad weather had the final word at the GolfRSA International Amateur at Houghton Golf Club.

The cancellation of the final round reduced the championship to 54 holes, and at 10h00 on what should have been the closing day, the titles were officially decided.

Schiefner finished on a nine-under-par 207 (70-68-69) to claim the men’s title and Raad, who took the lead in the second round, held firm at one-over-par 217 (74-71-72) to secure the victory.

2026 GolfRSA International Amateur champion Morris Schiefner at Houghton Golf Club; credit GolfRSA

Schierfner, who divides his time between Germany and South Africa, first arrived in 2018 to join the KeNako Academy in George and has since become a familiar figure on the local circuit. Just two weeks ago, he finished runner-up to Judd Sundelson in the 36-hole final of the South African Amateur Championship.

This time, the result fell his way – albeit unexpectedly.

“Many people know me as an emotionless guy, but when I heard the news that I won, it was quite a relief, because I was definitely preparing for a fight,” said Schiefner, ranked 13th on the GolfRSA Open Amateur men’s rankings. “Winning like that is not always that nice.”

Even his final-round 69 required grit. “My long game was definitely not on point. I was three-over early,” he admitted. “Then 14 is a par five — I chipped it in. After that, I knew I was going to make a comeback.”

2026 GolfRSA International Amateur champion Gia Raad at Houghton Golf Club; credit GolfRSA

Raad, ranked ninth on the GolfRSA Women’s Open Amateur Rankings and headed to Auburn University in the fall of 2026, continued to build an impressive amateur résumé.

She is a two-time African Women’s Amateur champion (2024, 2025), becoming only the 13th woman since 1906 to defend the title, and has also won the 2025 Africa Amateur Women’s Invitational, the English Girls’ Open Championship and the Nomads SA Girls Championship, both in 2023.

“I know people know me as feisty and super passionate, so I’m trying to direct those emotions in a good way, and I think it worked for me this week. It just gives me a bit of hope for the next couple of events,” Raad said. “I fought really hard. Seeing a result come through is a really good feeling.”

Neither champion closed the way they had envisioned — but both had done enough before the weather rolled in. Over 54 holes, their work stood up, and the titles count just the same.

In both competitions, the defending champions – Astin Arthur and Bobbi – claimed the runner-up finishes. Arthur was a shot adrift on eight-under (65-73-70) and Brown finished runner-up at three-over (73-74-72).

Team South Africa and Team South Africa Juniors take the 2026 GolfRSA International Amateur Team Competition honours at Houghton Golf Club; credit GolfRSA

In the team competition, Team South Africa Juniors once again showcased their depth and discipline, converting early momentum into a polished 54-hole victory.

Consistent counting scores across the three days laid the foundation. It was a measured, composed performance, the kind built on balance rather than brilliance alone, that kept them clear of the chasing pack and secured another statement win on home soil.

In the women’s team competition, defending champions Team South Africa Women proved equally resolute.

Setting the tone from the outset, they controlled the championship through steady, reliable scoring and never allowed the pressure to shift. Like their junior counterparts, they had done the heavy lifting in the first two rounds, and their advantage held firm, ensuring they successfully defended their title