Buchanan Breaks Away at Royal Johannesburg
A young South African seizes his moment and earns a seat at golf’s biggest table
Jack Buchanan left no doubt at Royal Johannesburg, pulling clear of the field to claim a commanding six-shot victory in the third Africa Amateur Championship on 7 February 2026.
The 21-year-old from Cape Town dismantled the East Course with assurance and restraint, finishing at 21 under par for the week and closing with a five-under 67 to end on 267, well clear of his nearest challengers.
Buchanan’s final round set the tone early. He turned in 33 after birdies at the third and eighth, either side of a decisive eagle at the par-five sixth, then steadied himself down the stretch with two more birdies to secure the first elite amateur title of his career.
Behind him, the chase was lively but ultimately futile. Ivan Verster, Charl Barnard and JL ‘Dewan’ de Bruin shared second place on 15 under par, with de Bruin producing the low round of the championship, a remarkable 12-under 60 that included ten birdies, a near ace at the par-three 12th and an eagle putt on the last.
The victory opens significant doors for Buchanan, who now earns exemptions into The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale, The Amateur Championship, the Alfred Dunhill Championship, the Investec South African Open and the Waterfall City Tournament of Champions powered by Attacq, a fitting reward for a week that underlined both his poise and potential.