After two successful years of the Lowvelder Golf Challenge, the series is returning for a third year with another annual membership at Mbombela Golf Club on the line and with a brand new partner on board, too.

In 2024, the first year of the Lowvelder Golf Challenge, the title was claimed by Denise West after a tightly contested finale. But the second series held last year had far more drama in store. After the first event was cancelled due to rain, Rian Joubert led the series right up to the grand finale in November. However, Christo Bouwer played an incredible final round and surged up the leader board from ninth to take the title.

This was the perfect showcase of how the format of the Lowvelder Golf Challenge series can serve up some rather unexpected twists and turns. With the 10-part series scheduled throughout the year starting on Wednesday, February 18, every golfer’s top five rounds are tallied and counted to determine the winner come the grand finale in November.

As was the case in 2025, Mbombela Golf Club has dangled a very big and juicy carrot in front of local golfers as a reason to take part in the series. There will once again be a year’s membership up for grabs for the winner of the 2026 Lowvelder Golf Challenge.

Long-time sponsors and supporters of the series, Octopi Smart Solutions and Du Toit-Smuts and Partners Attorneys, are on board again for the third consecutive year.

This year a third sponsor and partner of the Lowvelder Golf Challenge is all set to join the fray – Castle Lager Double Malt. They join hands with the challenge at a key point where it continues to grow onwards and upwards as one of Mbombela Golf Club’s favourite monthly competitions among members.

With the format remaining the same, the competition will be played in an individual Stableford format. To contend for the title, players must compete in at least five out of the 10 competition days, as their five best scores will count towards the overall standings after the grand final, which will be hosted on November 25.

The first 2026 Lowvelder Golf Challenge will be held on February 18. Players are responsible for booking their own rounds and carts by contacting the club on 013 744 0952. Eligibility for prizes requires attending the prize-giving ceremony. Participants must be affiliated with a club and hold an official handicap.