Jayden Schaper wins back-to-back titles after play-off heroics in Mauritius

Jayden Schaper’s fairy-tale start to the 2026 season continued in spectacular fashion as the 24-year-old produced a hole-out eagle on the second play-off hole to defeat Ryan Gerard and claim his second DP World Tour title in as many weeks at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.

The South African began the final round two shots off the lead but delivered a flawless closing 64, highlighted by an eagle and six birdies, to post the clubhouse target at 22 under par. That score put the pressure squarely on American Gerard, who needed a birdie on the final hole to force a play-off.

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Gerard responded with a shot-of-the-week contender on the 18th, getting up and down from a tricky spot to keep his title hopes alive and take the contest to extra holes.

There was nothing to separate the pair at the first play-off hole, but Schaper produced a moment of magic at the second, chipping in for eagle in a grandstand finish to return to the winner’s circle for a second successive week, following last Sunday’s Alfred Dunhill Championship triumph.

Having also finished tied second at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in honour of Gary Player prior to his two victories, Schaper comfortably topped the Opening Swing standings and now leads the Race to Dubai Rankings after just three starts to the season.

Gerard, who finished alone in second after signing for a closing 66 that included six birdies, had consolation in securing a place inside the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking, moving up from 57th and earning an invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament.

Augusta dream secured

The 2025 Barracuda Championship winner had travelled to Heritage La Réserve Golf Links with a clear objective: to punch his ticket to Augusta National, and he achieved his goal with a strong performance throughout the week, knowing a fourth-place finish or better would be enough.

Casey Jarvis finished alone in third, five shots further back, after a final-round 71.

Schaper made a lightning-fast start on Sunday, rolling in back-to-back long-range birdie putts at the third and fourth holes before holing a five-foot eagle putt at the fifth to join the lead at 18 under par.

A pair of important par saves kept his card blemish-free, though he trailed by two before trimming the deficit with a birdie at the 11th. Further birdies at the 15th, 16th and 18th took him to 22 under and secured his place in the play-off.

Unable to find a birdie at the first extra hole, Schaper went one better at the second, holing out for a spectacular eagle to seal another memorable victory.

Magic three-week run

Schaper said, "The last three weeks have been incredible.

"I don't even know what to say. That's just such an insane way to finish a tournament. It's been such a great week, such an awesome place, the support, the golf course. From start to finish.

"I could not have asked for anything better. Christmas is going to be good this year, and the New Year. It's just unreal," he added. "I wait five years for the first (title) and then the following week (to get the second) is so cool.’

The DP World Tour now takes a short season break before returning on January 15, 2026, with the 72-hole Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Resort. Defending champion and Dubai resident Tommy Fleetwood will be joined by Rory McIlroy in the season-opening event.

Results

• J. Schaper (RSA) 69, 69, 64, 64 — 266

• R. Gerard (USA) 68, 69, 63, 66 — 266
  (Schaper won on the second play-off hole)

• C. Jarvis (RSA) 67, 65, 68, 71 — 271