Exclusive: Judd Sundelson Completes Family Legacy with SA Amateur Triumph

As Judd Sundelson won the SA Amateur at Pretoria Country Club by defeating Germany’s Morris Schiefner 3&2 on Friday, he completed a unique piece of history which confirmed his family name among golfing royalty in South Africa.

Judd’s grandfather, Neville, won the tournament way back in 1972. Judd’s father also made it to the final in 1991, but was unable to emerge victorious.

Dean Sundelson, Judd’s uncle, was also a top amateur around the same time as Barry and also had a top finish in the SA Amateur. Playing for Transvaal, Barry also competed against a young Ernie Els of Northern Transvaal during the late 1980s.

In fact, in 2021, Sundelson won the Houghton Club Championship with father Barry finishing second and uncle Dean was third.

Family Legacy

While Barry, Dean, mother Shani, and sister Ella were all out to support the 23-year-old in his quest for glory on Friday, there was one member of the Sundelson family missing.

“My grandfather passed away in July last year, and this is for him,” Sundelson said.

“My grandfather won this trophy. I felt like he was with me out there. My dad came runner-up. They've helped me so much throughout my life. My dad always helps me. And my grandfather helped me a lot when I was younger. So it's been a huge help.”

Sundelson’s Triumph

The plan for Sundelson is to turn professional, and the fact that he won the most coveted trophy in amateur golf in South Africa is testament to his ability to perform under pressure.

“I’m very proud of myself and it’s such a privilege to win this tournament," he told SportsBoom.co.za. 

"So it [the title of SA Amateur Champion]  just sounds amazing.”

The 36-hole final did not get off to a good start for Sundelson as he was four-down after four holes, but he managed to get it to all square by the end of the first 18. Sundelson revealed afterwards that a short session on the range in between the rounds with his father made all the difference.

“After the first round, my dad and I went to the range for a bit, hit a couple of balls, found something, and I hit the ball much better on the second 18."

“I made one mistake on nine, but otherwise I was flawless, tee to green.”

SA Open After SA Amateur Victory

Turning 24 in March, Sundelson is currently studying at the University of St Andrews as he’s busy with his master’s. The plan is to turn professional after he’s completed his studies. He also will not have much time to savour his victory with his family as he jets back to the UK over the weekend, but he will be back in a little under a month to play in the SA Open in Stellenbosch, as his SA Amateur win qualified him for the historic tournament.

“It feels amazing. I’m so excited to play in it. It’s in Cape Town, which is incredible, and I’m just so excited for it. Really looking forward to it.”

Barry Sundelson Praises Son Judd’s Championship Win 

Meanwhile, Barry had nothing but praise for his son.

“I am so delighted. I'm so happy for him. It is such a big honour. He's a hard worker, he's dedicated, he's focused. And to have the luck and the good fortune to come through and win the championship, it is really special.

“It's actually beautiful to watch him play. He plays a completely different game to the game that I played. He's so much better, and I really enjoy watching him."

“It's nice to see him coming into his own and to do his own thing.”

Coming from an extremely accomplished golfing family, it was a natural path for Sundelson to follow, explained Barry.

“I have had a strong influence. I've helped him a lot. I've got a fairly good understanding of the swing, a good understanding of the mental side, and, you know, as any father would do, you know, you try and help your children to be better than yourself. It's part of evolution."

“You want your kids to be better than what you are. I certainly do my best, but don't always get it right."

“I learnt from my father, so it’s nice to be able to pass it on. What Judd's done today is just another level.”

Though Barry quips, ‘talent skips a generation,’ he conceded it was an emotional moment for him.

“It's incredible to have a grandfather and a grandson on the same trophy. It's such a long road, and you need so much good fortune, luck, and mazal (Hebrew for luck) to get to this point. And God was shining down on Judd.”

While Barry makes a point of letting Sundelson make his own decisions about the path he wants to follow, it will be with his full support.

“The main thing, though, is that he enjoys what he does. You know, it's a long road. You can't just let golf determine your happiness. So hopefully, he will enjoy what he does, and have a happy life."

“We’ll definitely support him, so he’s got our full support. Shani and I will back him in whatever he wants to do."

“It's quite amazing watching him go, so he'll take his path, and we'll be there alongside him.”