South Africa’s Jayden Schaper achieved an extraordinary milestone by following up his first victory on the DP World Tour with a stunning second title, capping off a spectacular finish to the year 2025. In an exhilarating contest at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, Schaper triumphed over American golfer Ryan Gerard, clinching the win on the second play-off hole with a remarkable eagle—an achievement made even more impressive as he and Gerard finished tied at an impressive 22 under par. This victory marked the second consecutive week that Schaper secured a win with an eagle in a play-off scenario, highlighting his exceptional skill and composure under pressure.
At just 24 years old, Schaper demonstrated his growing prowess in the sport by claiming his second DP World Tour title in as many weeks. The young South African entered the winner’s circle once again after a thrilling week that saw him advance from his recent triumph at the Alfred Dunhill Championship. This added a significant feather to his cap as it was the final event of the calendar year, giving him a euphoric conclusion to his golfing season.
Schaper’s spectacular performance in Mauritius was marked by a strong finish, as he began the final round two shots behind the leader. He navigated the course with precision, achieving an eagle and gathering six birdies to finish with a flawless score of 64. This impressive round not only brought him into contention for the title but also set the stage for an exciting play-off, where his talent truly shone through. At the second extra hole, he delivered a sensational eagle that sealed his victory and showcased his explosive ability to perform in high-stakes situations.
Although Ryan Gerard finished as the runner-up, he had his own celebration, wrapping up the year with a solid round of 66. His consistent performance throughout the season secured him a spot in the world’s top 50 golfers, earning him an invitation to the prestigious 2026 Masters Tournament—an event that signifies a major achievement in a golfer’s career.
Reflecting on his incredible success, Schaper expressed his feelings of gratitude and excitement, stating, “I could not have asked for anything better. Christmas is going to be good this year, and the new year. It’s just unreal.” This victory signifies not just a personal triumph for Schaper but also completes a sensational close to a year in which he has excelled on multiple fronts, including a tied second-place finish at the Nedbank Golf Challenge earlier in December.
Elaborating on the significance of his victories, Schaper indicated, “It’s just such a great week to finish the year off like this. It has been such a good year. I think 2025 is going to be probably the best season of my career. At the moment it is, but I mean, just to start things off with, you can only win your first event for the first time, and then obviously to come this week and get my second win is just insane.” His insightful reflections reveal not just his joy but also his ambition for what lies ahead in his golfing journey.
In the tournament, the top two finishers, Schaper and Gerard, shared a significant lead, with Schaper finishing five shots clear of South Africa’s Casey Jarvis, who concluded the event at 17 under par. Meanwhile, England’s John Parry delivered a commendable performance as he finished tied for fifth, boasting a final score of 15 under following a strong round of 68.
Looking to the future, the DP World Tour is set to kick off the new year with its first event at the Dubai Invitational, scheduled for January 16-19, 2026. This event promises to launch the International Swing, and it will provide golfers with yet another opportunity to shine on the global stage as they embark on a fresh competitive season. Schaper’s recent successes suggest that he will be a key player to watch in the upcoming events, as he looks to build on his remarkable achievements and continue to make a name for himself in the world of professional golf.
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