Mexico’s Luis Carrera became the first player to win the Sunshine Tour’s Qualifying School and then the first two tournaments of the season as he claimed victory in the Kit Kat Cash & Carry Pro-Am at Irene Country Club on Sunday.
Carrera has hit the Sunshine Tour by storm ever since he closed with a final round of 61 to win the Tour’s Qualifying School in April. He then claimed his maiden victory in the FBC Zim Open last week, and followed this up with a commanding 10-stroke win on 30 under par in the Kit Kit Cash & Carry Pro-Am.
These are the first two tournaments of the Sunshine Tour’s new 2025-26 season.
His victory also represents the growing global stature of the Sunshine Tour and its ability to draw some of the most exciting young professionals from around the world.
A total of about 60% of the players, Carrera included, who earned their Sunshine Tour playing privileges at the recent Qualifying School were foreigners.
Sunday was another dominant performance by Carrera, who closed with a 62 to win his second Sunshine Tour title in a week where he dropped only one shot in 72 holes. He has also earned close to R1-million in prize money in his brief time on the Sunshine Tour.
“It feels amazing,” said Carrera. “It’s a wonderful feeling. I played some of the best golf I played in my life and I’m happy about that. The Irene Country Club is a great golf course. I really enjoyed playing here.”
The Mexican beat a quality field for his second Sunshine Tour victory.
Dylan Frittelli, playing the golf course where he grew up, was his nearest challenger going into the final round only two strokes back. But his own 73 against the flawless golf played by Carrera saw him finish tied ninth.
And a clutch of Sunshine Tour champions in Oliver Bekker, Trevor Fisher Jnr, Jonathan Broomhead and Gerhard Pepler all settled for second place on 20 under par.
Carrera was simply in a class all his own on Sunday as he opened with two consecutive birdies and then made a further three birdies on his outward nine.
He started the back nine equally strong with an eagle and a birdie, and then closed with two consecutive birdies to take the title and establish himself as the Sunshine Tour’s newest star.
Defending champion Kieran Vincent ended the tournament on 18 under par for a share of seventh place.
Photo: Tyrone Winfield/Sunshine Tour
