ZIMBABWEAN golfer Benjamin Follett-Smith has kick-started his 2026 season in spectacular fashion, capturing the Cell C Challenge in Honour of Gary Player at Killarney Country Club this past Sunday.
The victory marks a significant turning point for the talented pro, who used a blistering final-round charge to secure his fourth Sunshine Tour title and a much-needed return to form.
Entering the final round three shots adrift of leader Haydn Porteous, Follett-Smith knew he needed something special on the par-70 layout. He delivered exactly that, firing a composed four-under-par 66 to finish the tournament at 15-under-par (265).
His performance throughout the week was a model of consistency and aggression. He opened with a solid 67, followed by a brilliant 65 in the second round, another 67 in the third, and his clinical 66 to close.
The win was largely built on a front-nine blitz during the final round, where he carded three birdies and a spectacular eagle. Despite a "bogey-bogey" finish on the closing holes — which he self-critically described as "rookie errors" — his lead was substantial enough to hold off a charging Haydn Porteous, who missed a 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th that would have forced a playoff.
For Follett-Smith, this victory is more than just another trophy; it is a release from the frustrations of the previous year.
In 2025, he endured a subdued season while competing on the HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour and the DP World Tour, where he struggled to find the clinical edge required to contend.
Reflecting on his journey back to the podium, Follett-Smith was candid about the mental and physical toll of the past twelve months.
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"It’s just been hard work and practice. I didn’t get too much out of my game last year. I was a bit stuck... but I kept coming back home to the Sunshine Tour as a great platform to play. The events here are awesome and world-class. It’s awesome to be in the winner’s circle again and to guarantee my playing rights here."
Adding to the prestige of the win was the presence of the Black Knight himself. Winning an event held in honour of Gary Player — and receiving the trophy while the legend watched on — was a career highlight for the Zimbabwean.
"It’s the second time I’ve met Mr. Player and it’s an honour," Follett-Smith remarked. "He’s one of the best golfers to ever live and to have a few minutes to chat to him and hear his advice is something else."
The timing of this victory could not be better. The Sunshine Tour now transitions into a critical stretch of co-sanctioned tournaments with both the HotelPlanner and DP World Tours.
With his confidence restored and his playing privileges secured, Follett-Smith is no longer just a participant; he is once again a protagonist on the international stage.
