Sunshine Tour power-hitter Gerhard Pepler has relocated to Ballito, embracing coastal life while continuing his pursuit of success on tour.

The decision followed last September’s Sunshine Tour event at Umhlali Country Club, where his wife, Jouane, and two-year-old daughter, Mia, spent a week on holiday on the North Coast. The experience proved decisive, prompting the couple to relocate in April.

Raised in a small farming town in Limpopo, Pepler made an immediate impact after turning professional.

He caused an upset during his rookie season, charging from four shots behind to win the Gary and Vivienne Player Challenge at White River Country Club in 2023.

The 26-year-old is officially the longest hitter on the Sunshine Tour. His power was highlighted at last year’s Wild Coast Sun tournament, where he launched a 439m (480-yard) drive. His length off the tee is such that few driving ranges can contain him, forcing him to practise with an eight-iron and rely heavily on simulator training.

“When I started playing professionally, I realised that hitting long drives isn’t the main thing, so I began focusing on accuracy,” said Pepler.

“My main focus now is consistency, improving my all-round game and trying to win.”
Life on tour, however, brings challenges beyond the fairways. Constant travel and extended time away from family can take a toll.

“I was a happy-go-lucky golfer, but being away from your family impacts a lot of players negatively. It gets to you when you’re travelling for three or four weeks in a row, especially when you play badly.

“If I had a bad round, I couldn’t sleep and there was nobody to talk to. It’s lonely. You begin thinking, ‘Why am I here? What’s the point? I want to be at home.'”

Financial pressure adds to the strain. With only the top 50 to 60 players earning prize money at each of at least 27 tournaments annually, costs such as travel, accommodation and caddie fees – before tax – can exceed R600 000 a year.

The stress last year triggered panic attacks.

“I lost the vision in my left eye. I got a migraine and my left arm went numb; the doctor said it was stroke-like symptoms,” he said.

Pepler credits his wife’s unwavering support for his continued success.

“My wife pushes me to succeed. When I told her travelling was not fun and I wanted to stay home, she convinced me to keep going. She studied forensic psychology and knows how to deal with me.”