De Smidt claims victory at Blu Label Unlimited Invitational 2

Ruan de Smidt delivered a composed and consistent performance to secure victory at the Betway Big Easy Blu Label Unlimited Invitational 2, held at Heron Banks Golf & River Estate.

De Smidt entered the final round with a narrow one-shot lead after a standout “Moving Day” performance, carding a superb 7-under-par 64, which included just a single bogey. \Maintaining his momentum under pressure, he closed out the tournament at 9-under-par (204) to take the title.

Adding a heartfelt dimension to the victory, De Smidt was supported on the bag by his mother, making the win a true family triumph and a memorable moment on the tour.

The tournament began with England’s Daniel Smith setting the pace in Round 1, firing an impressive 7-under-par 64 to take a two-shot lead.

His near-flawless round featured just one dropped shot and positioned him at the top of a tightly packed leaderboard, with 15 players within five shots.

In Round 2, South Africa’s Slade Pickering surged into contention with a bogey-free 64 (-7), finishing just one shot off the lead heading into the final day.

The leaderboard remained highly competitive, showcasing the depth of talent on the Betway Big Easy Tour.

One of the standout moments of the tournament came from amateur Nicko Venter, who recorded the first hole-in-one of his career on the par-3 5th hole during the second round — a highlight that electrified the event.

Final standings saw De Smidt finish ahead of a strong chasing pack, including Heinrich Bruiners, Leon Visser, and Daniel Smith, who shared second place at 6-under-par.

The Betway Big Easy Blu Label Unlimited Invitational 2 once again delivered high-quality competition, dramatic moments, and a celebration of both emerging and established talent within South African golf.