Jacques Kruyswijk Triumphs
By Sello Masilo
Nairobi, Kenya – 23 February 2025 – South Africa’s Jacques Kruyswijk claimed his maiden European Tour title after holding off the challenge of Englishman John Parry to win the Kenya Open by two shots. The 32-year-old fought through a tense final round at Muthaiga Golf Club, finishing bogey-free on 18 under par to bring the trophy back to African soil. After a strong start to the weekend, Kruyswijk faced early pressure from Parry’s back-to-back birdies, but his cool-headed response and flawless play secured the victory – a proud moment for South Africa and the first local win in this event since Justin Harding in 2021. With fellow South Africans Deon Germishuys and Jayden Schaper also shining, the tournament showcased the country’s golfing talent on the global stage.
Introduction: A South African Star Shines in Nairobi
South Africans are celebrating tonight after Jacques Kruyswijk clinched his first European Tour title at the 2025 Magical Kenya Open. The Pretoria-born golfer held his nerve in a nail-biting final round at Nairobi’s Muthaiga Golf Club, beating England’s John Parry by two shots to finish on 18 under par. It’s a massive milestone for the 32-year-old, who started Sunday with a slim one-shot lead, only to see it slip away early as Parry fired off birdies. But Kruyswijk hit back with birdies of his own and stayed rock-solid to the end, wrapping up a bogey-free weekend that’s got Mzansi buzzing. “It’s special. I’m happy that I can keep the trophy on African soil and obviously bring it back to South Africa,” he said, beaming with pride. With Deon Germishuys and Jayden Schaper also in the top four, it’s clear SA golf is on a roll – and Kruyswijk’s win is the cherry on top.
The Final Round: A Battle of Nerves and Skill
The 2025 Magical Kenya Open came down to a dramatic Sunday showdown, and Jacques Kruyswijk rose to the occasion. Heading into the final round with a one-shot lead, he knew he’d have to dig deep against a red-hot John Parry. The Englishman wasted no time, sinking back-to-back birdies on the fourth and fifth holes to snatch the lead and pile pressure on the South African. For a moment, it looked like Kruyswijk might crack – but he had other plans.
Showing the grit that’s made him a fan favourite, Kruyswijk rolled in long birdie putts on the sixth and seventh to flip the script and take a one-shot edge at the turn. “I’m super proud of myself with the mindset I’ve had this week and the way I’ve played this golf course,” he said later. From there, he never looked back. A clutch up-and-down from a bunker on the 10th stretched his lead to two, and when Parry bogeyed the 14th after a wayward tee shot, Kruyswijk pounced with another birdie on the 16th. Pars on the last two holes sealed the deal – a 4-under 67 for the day and a tournament total of 18 under par.
Parry, finishing solo second on 16 under with a 68, couldn’t hide his disappointment but tipped his hat to the champ. “Jacques played brilliantly today,” he told Sky Sports. “I gave it my all, but he was just too good.” Meanwhile, Deon Germishuys carded a 68 to take third at 13 under, while Jayden Schaper’s 66 landed him fourth at 12 under – a lekker day for South African golf.
Kruyswijk’s Breakthrough: A Long Road to Glory
For Jacques Kruyswijk, this win is more than just a trophy – it’s a reward for years of hard yakka. Born in Pretoria, he turned pro in 2013 and has been grinding on the European Tour (now DP World Tour) for over a decade. Sunday’s victory marked his 139th appearance on the tour, making it a sweet first title after so many near misses. “It’s special. I’m a little bit lost for words,” he said in a post-round interview with the DP World Tour, dedicating the win to his family, friends, team, and South Africa.
His journey hasn’t been easy. Kruyswijk has racked up plenty of top-10 finishes, including a runner-up spot at the 2016 Scottish Championship, but the big breakthrough always slipped away – until now. Posts on X lit up with praise, with @DPWorldTour tweeting: “A maiden win on his 139th appearance 😍 Jacques Kruyswijk wins the 2025 Magical Kenya Open presented by absa 🏆.” Fans chimed in too, with @EWN_Sport noting how he “held off the challenge” to claim the crown.
What made this win extra special? Kruyswijk is the first South African to lift the Kenya Open title since Justin Harding in 2021. That year, Harding edged out a strong field to win at Karen Country Club, and now Kruyswijk has followed in his footsteps at Muthaiga. “I’m happy that I can keep the trophy on African soil and obviously bring it back to South Africa,” he said, echoing a sentiment that’s got SA golf fans cheering from Joburg to Cape Town.
South African Strength: Germishuys and Schaper Shine Too
Kruyswijk wasn’t the only South African making waves in Nairobi. Deon Germishuys, 24, finished third with a steady 68 in the final round, ending the week at 13 under. The young gun from Bloemfontein has been turning heads on the Sunshine Tour, and this podium finish – his best on the DP World Tour – signals big things ahead. “It’s great to see so many of us up there,” Germishuys told Compleat Golfer. “Jacques was class, and I’m chuffed with my week too.”
Jayden Schaper, another rising SA star, rounded out the top four with a cracking 66 on Sunday, finishing at 12 under. The 23-year-old from Benoni showed off his flair with six birdies in the final round, proving he’s got the chops to compete with the world’s best. According to Nation Africa, eight South Africans made the cut and landed in the prize money – a solid showing in a $2.5 million (R45 million) tournament that underlines Mzansi’s golfing depth.
This trio’s success isn’t a fluke. South Africa has a proud history in the Kenya Open, with legends like Seve Ballesteros and Ian Woosnam among past winners, but it’s the local lads who’ve dominated lately. Kruyswijk’s win adds to a legacy that includes Harding (2021) and George Coetzee (2011), cementing SA’s status as a golfing powerhouse.
Pary’s African Adventure Continues
While Kruyswijk stole the show, John Parry’s runner-up finish deserves a shout-out. The 38-year-old Englishman has been on fire in Africa this season, racking up a win and two second-place finishes in just three starts. He kicked off the year with a victory at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship in January, followed by a close call in Uganda, and now this near-miss in Nairobi. “I’ve got a soft spot for Africa,” Parry told RTE. “It’s been a brilliant run, and I’ll keep pushing.”
Parry led after the first two rounds at Muthaiga with scores of 63 and 65, but a 72 on Saturday let Kruyswijk sneak ahead. On Sunday, he fought hard with those early birdies, only to stumble with that bogey on 14. His final-round 68 was solid, but not enough to catch the South African. Still, solo second at 16 under – plus a hefty $275,000 (R4.9 million) payday – keeps him high on the “Road to Dubai” rankings, with 3,500 points up for grabs in Kenya.
The Gear Behind the Glory: Kruyswijk’s Winning Kit
Ever wondered what’s in a champ’s golf bag? Kruyswijk’s victory was powered by some top-notch gear, as detailed by Golf Reviews Guide and Srixon. He wielded a Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver (9°) for booming drives, paired with Srixon ZX5 Mk II fairway woods (15° and 18°) for versatility off the tee. His irons – Srixon ZXi7 (4-PW) – were pinpoint accurate, helping him hit 83.3% of greens in regulation during the final round, a stat that led the field.
For the short game, Kruyswijk relied on Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedges (50°, 54°, 58°), which came up clutch on the 10th, and a Scotty Cameron Tourtype SSS putter that sank those crucial birdie putts. His ball? A Srixon Z-STAR XV, which he praised for its consistency. “The equipment was spot-on all week,” he told Srixon, who celebrated their fifth global win of 2025 with this triumph. It’s a gear nerd’s dream – and proof that the right tools can make all the difference.
How He Did It: A Masterclass in Composure
Kruyswijk’s win wasn’t just about fancy clubs – it was about staying cool under pressure. His final-round 67 featured four birdies and no bogeys, a rare feat on a tricky 7,208-yard, par-71 Muthaiga layout. After Parry’s early surge, Kruyswijk’s long birdie putts on the sixth and seventh – both over 20 feet – swung momentum back his way. “Those were massive,” he told Sky Sports. “They kept me in it when I needed it most.”
His stats tell the story. According to Srixon, he ranked first in stroke average (66.50) and second in strokes gained (3.88) for the week. That bunker save on the 10th showed his scrambling skills, and the birdie on 16 – a 15-footer – put the result beyond doubt. “What can I say? I’m happy,” he grinned, summing up a week where mental toughness matched technical brilliance.
The Bigger Picture: South Africa’s Golfing Renaissance
Kruyswijk’s victory is part of a bigger wave. South African golfers have been tearing it up lately, from Louis Oosthuizen’s back-to-back wins in 2024 to Christiaan Bezuidenhout’s rise on the PGA Tour. The Sunshine Tour has long been a breeding ground for talent, and now the DP World Tour is reaping the rewards. “It’s a great time for SA golf,” Schaper told Citizen Digital. “We’re pushing each other to new heights.”
The Kenya Open itself has a rich history, dating back to 1967 when it was won by Guy Wolstenholme. Since joining the European Tour in 2019, it’s become a highlight of the early season, blending world-class golf with Kenya’s tourism push. Kruyswijk’s win – and the strong SA contingent – only adds to its growing prestige.
Fans and Reaction: Mzansi Goes Wild
Social media exploded with pride after the win. @KTNNewsKE posted: “South Africa’s Jacques Kruyswijk wins the Magical Kenya Open title,” while @citizentvkenya noted he “pockets Ksh55 million” (R1 million). On X, @Jadwong broke down the drama: “Closing pars at 17th & 18th gave him a bogey-free weekend – 18 under par for a two-shot win.” Fans loved it, with one tweeting, “Jacques, you beauty! SA golf is flying high!”
Back home, the vibe was electric. “He’s done us proud,” said Pretoria golf coach Johan van Wyk to The Citizen. “Jacques has always had the talent – now he’s got the trophy to prove it.” From township driving ranges to suburban clubs, young golfers are already dreaming of following in his footsteps.
What’s Next for Kruyswijk and the Tour?
With this win, Kruyswijk pockets $425,000 (R7.6 million) and 3,500 “Road to Dubai” points, boosting his chances of qualifying for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship. “This changes everything,” he told ESPN. “I’ve got momentum now – let’s keep it going.” Next up is the Investec South African Open Championship, co-sanctioned with the Sunshine Tour, where he’ll look to ride the wave.
For the DP World Tour, the focus shifts to Sun City, but the Kenya Open’s success – with big crowds and a thrilling finish – bodes well for 2026. “The support here was unbelievable,” Kruyswijk said, nodding to the Nairobi fans. “I’d love to come back and defend this.”
The Human Cost: Golf’s Highs and Lows
Behind the glory, there’s grit. Kruyswijk’s 139 starts before this win show the grind of pro golf – the travel, the misses, the late nights. “It’s not always glamorous,” he admitted to News Central Africa. “But days like this make it worth it.” For every podium finish, there’s a Darius van Driel (last year’s champ) or Willy Deus Kitata (who retired mid-tournament this week), reminding us how tough the game can be.
For South Africans, though, it’s all smiles. “He’s a fighter,” said Germishuys. “This is just the start.” Whether it’s Kruyswijk, Schaper, or the next kid with a second-hand club, Mzansi’s golf story is only getting better.
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