Sundelson’s golf triumph – the product of three generations

Judd Sundelson’s victory at the South African Amateur Championship on 30 January marked the biggest moment of his golfing career to date. It was the result of years of steady improvement, sacrifice, and a support system that helped shape his journey from weekend golfer to one of the country’s leading amateurs. 

“It’s the biggest amateur event in South Africa for golf,” Sundelson said of the tournament. “There were players from all around the world, and I just came up on top.” 

The win earned him an exemption into the South African Open, a professional event played on the European Tour, where he will test himself against elite professionals. 

“I’m flying back home to play at Stellenbosch this week, actually. I’m so looking forward to that,” Sundelson said. 

His win is the latest step in a journey that began long before his competitive success. Golf was always part of family life. “My grandfather played golf, and then my father and my uncles,” Sundelson said. “When I was younger, on weekends, I used to go to World of Golf with my dad and hit golf balls. My grandfather would also be there.” 

What began as time spent on the range gradually became something more serious during high school. “I decided to take it a bit more seriously,” he said. “I started playing on the course more and I got a handicap. I was like a 12 handicap. I really started enjoying it and trying to get better.” 

The appeal lay in golf’s individual challenge. “If you practice and put the work in, you get better, and it’s just yourself,” he said, “I didn’t have to rely on anyone else for results.” 

Improvement came quickly, driven by hours of practice and a willingness to sacrifice. His mother played a central role during those years, driving him to training sessions and tournaments while he chased his goals. “My mom used to take me every day after school,” he said. “I would just go spend time on the range, practice a lot.” 

Within a year, the progress was clear. “When I was 15, I had already become much better. I was a scratch golfer, won the Maccabi Games in Israel. That gave me a lot of motivation.” 

The commitment required difficult choices. “A lot of sacrifice, a lot of dedication, I missed a lot of school, a lot of parties,” he said. “But I always felt it was worth it.” 

His recent victory was made even more meaningful because of the family history attached to it. His grandfather had previously won the same tournament, while his father had finished runner-up. “It was three generations,” Sundelson said. “I think that’s why people also like the story a lot.” 

The parallels extended further. “I won by the same margin as my grandfather did in 1972,” he said. “I won 54 years after him, which was nice. Very special for me.” 

Sundelson repeatedly emphasises the role of family support in enabling progress throughout this journey. “Victory was possible because I had so much support from my family,” he said. “My dad helps me a lot with my golf, but my mom also does so much.” 

He remembers the less visible sacrifices behind the scenes. “She took me to Middelburg in the middle of winter. We stayed in quite a dangerous place when I did tournaments. She walked with me, and she was there supporting me,” he said. “Even though she wasn’t a golfer and couldn’t help me with my swing, she played a big part in helping me develop as a golfer.” 

He also credits his other grandfather for emotional support away from competition. “His support also helps a lot on and off the course … gives me confidence,” he said. 

Now based in the United Kingdom, Sundelson balances elite amateur golf with academic commitments, completing a Master’s degree in finance and banking. Managing both requires discipline. “It’s hard. A lot of dedicated time management. I work hard and don’t go out that much. I’m pretty focused.” 

As he prepares for his next challenge at the South African Open, Sundelson’s story remains rooted in steady progress, a journey built on practice, family support, and belief that improvement comes through persistence. His South African Amateur victory may be a defining moment, but for Sundelson, it’s another step forward in a career still gathering momentum.