South African golfer Jayden Schaper clinched his second title on the DP World Tour in just as many weeks, winning the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open with a dramatic hole-out eagle during the second play-off hole. This victory follows his maiden tour win at the Alfred Dunhill Championship, marking a remarkable finish to his year in professional golf.
Schaper, 24, entered the final round in Mauritius two shots behind the leader. He surged ahead with an impressive performance, carding an eagle and six birdies for a flawless round of 64. His solid play allowed him to tie for the lead and ultimately secure the win against American golfer Ryan Gerard, who finished with a round of 66.
Schaper’s victory in Mauritius is particularly significant as it comes just one week after his triumph in Johannesburg, where he also secured his first tour title with an eagle on the first extra hole. Reflecting on his recent successes, Schaper noted, “I could not have asked for anything better. Christmas is going to be good this year, and the new year. It’s just unreal.”
The achievement caps off a sensational year for Schaper, who also finished tied for second at the Nedbank Golf Challenge earlier this month. He expressed his excitement for the upcoming season, stating, “I think 2025 is going to be probably the best season of my career.”
In addition to Schaper’s win, Gerard’s performance ensures he finishes the year within the world’s top 50 golfers, granting him an invitation to the 2026 Masters. The top two golfers in Mauritius were five shots clear of South Africa’s Casey Jarvis, who finished at 17 under par. England’s John Parry also had a commendable finish, tying for fifth place at 15 under after a final round of 68.
The DP World Tour is set to resume its schedule in 2026 with the Dubai Invitational, taking place from January 16-19. Fans can expect to see continued exciting golf as the tour embarks on its International Swing.
As the year concludes, Schaper’s back-to-back victories highlight his rising status in professional golf and set a promising tone for the future.
