Venter, the daughter of former Free State cricket stalwart Kosie Venter, has carved out her own sporting path. A former learner at Eunice Girls’ School, she enjoyed a standout amateur career, highlighted by her victory in the prestigious St Andrews Junior Ladies Open during her matric year in 2022.

Her breakthrough on the professional stage came in 2024 when she claimed the Cape Town Open title at the Royal Cape Golf Club. It was her maiden win in the paid ranks - a moment she still reflects on with pride.

“I think back to it often because it really gave my career a boost to win so early - it gave me a lot of belief,” said Venter.

That triumph laid the foundation for her most successful season to date on the Sunshine Ladies Tour, where she finished seventh on the final Order of Merit. She followed that up with a 15th-place finish last season and has already secured two top-20 results in the opening events of the current campaign - a sign of her growing consistency.

“I had a great season in 2025, but I’m always looking to improve,” she said.

“I worked really hard in the off-season and I’m very happy with where my game is at the moment. I’ve seen encouraging signs over the past two tournaments and I’m excited about what lies ahead. I’m really enjoying my career.”

This week’s tournament shifts to Durbanville Golf Club, a layout Venter relishes - particularly when the Cape wind begins to swirl.

“I enjoy Durbanville. It’s a proper test, especially in the wind, and I like the challenge of the two back-to-back par fives on five and six.

“I really value the international competition we have on the Sunshine Ladies Tour,” Venter added. “It pushes you to raise your standard and it’s great preparation for the co-sanctioned Ladies European Tour events.”

Gabrielle Venter after winning the 2022 St Andrews Junior Ladies Open at the home of golf - GolfRSA

The Cape Town Open, once again boasts a competitive field blending leading South African professionals and international contenders as the season builds towards the Ladies European Tour co-sanctioned events in April.

Germany’s Sophie Witt arrives as the highest-ranked player in the field, currently second on the Order of Merit. The line-up also features former champions Stacy Bregman, Lee-Anne Pace and Nadia van der Westhuizen, along with England’s Hayley Davis.

The R1-million tournament, the third stop of the 2026 season, tees off at Durbanville Golf Club and will be contested from 5 to 7 March.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport