Basson returns to Vodacom Origins of Golf event MyZA

De Wet Basson (left) has made his return to the Sunshine Tour after a 12-year absence, but as the caddie for Des Terblanche in this week’s Vodacom Origins of Golf tournament at Langebaan Country Estate. Photo: Luke Walker / Sunshine Tour

De Wet Basson, the golfer once considered as talented as Ernie Els, makes his return to the Sunshine Tour fairways for the first time in 12 years this week in the Vodacom Origins of Golf at Langebaan Country Estate.

But he does so as a caddie for good friend Des Terblanche, with the tournament set to tee off on Wednesday and finish on Friday.

“I’m really excited about it. I think it’s going to be great fun,” said Basson, whose last tournament as a professional was the 2001 Telkom PGA Championship at Woodhill Golf Estate.

Basson was a multiple winner on the Sunshine Tour and partnered Ernie Els in South Africa’s return to the World Cup of Golf in 1992.

He played on the European Tour, enjoying his most successful season in 1993 when he finished 33rd on the Order of Merit, including tied 10th in the BMW PGA Championship that year.

But a loss of form saw him decide to retire from the game, and he opened up a vehicle dealership.

“I felt that if I couldn’t play to the same level as before then I’d better do as Ernie Els’s grandmother once told him to do and get a real job.

“I just recently sold my shares in the motor dealership. I’m a member at Langebaan and have a house here, so I thought it would be great to caddie for Des,” said Basson.

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