VAALPARK — The lush fairways and immaculate greens of Heron Banks Golf Course set the scene for the 2026 Free State Open Stroke Play Championship, which concludes this afternoon. The prestigious three-day tournament teed off on Friday, 16 January, with all competitors taking on the first 18 holes in ideal summer conditions.

Saturday saw the full field return for another demanding 18-hole round, after which the leaderboard was tightened as only the top 60 players and ties secured their place in Sunday’s action.

The final day, Sunday 19 January, places the remaining golfers under intense pressure, as they battle it out over a gruelling 36 holes to determine the 2026 Free State Open champion.