McCabe stays steady to capture Free State Senior Open
January 25, 2026 | by AmateurGolf.com Staff
see also: Free State Senior Open, Parys Golf & Country Estate
A composed closing 70 was enough as Douglas McCabe pulled clear late, winning the Free State Senior Open
Douglas McCabe tightened his grip on the early-season narrative in South African senior golf, following up a runner-up finish last week with a win on Sunday at the Free State Senior Open.
McCabe, who had finished second at the Gauteng North Senior Open to begin his 2026 campaign, went one better this week with rounds of 73-70 to total 1-under 143 and win by two shots. On a leaderboard where separation was scarce, his closing 70 proved decisive, pushing him clear when the final round asked for patience more than fireworks.
Marius Kumm finished second at 1-over 145 (71-74), while Blaine Mancer made the biggest move of the day, jumping 14 places with a closing 71 to take third at 3-over 147.
Neale Gandy closed with a 70 to share fourth at 4-over 148 alongside Stephen Chewins, keeping the top ten tightly bunched behind the winner.
The result also fits McCabe’s wider profile. He is a two-time GolfRSA Senior Players Championship winner (2022, 2023) and currently sits No. 2 on the senior rankings in South Africa. Last year, he played seven ranked events, won the Mpumalanga Senior Open (August 2025), finished runner-up at the Vaal Senior Championships (July 2025), and did not finish outside the top 10 all season.
A runner-up last week. A win this week. McCabe’s 2026 season is already moving with purpose.
| Pos | Player | To Par | R1 | R2 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Douglas McCabe | -1 | 73 | 70 | 143 |
| 2 | Marius Kumm | +1 | 71 | 74 | 145 |
| 3 | Blaine Mancer | +3 | 76 | 71 | 147 |
| T4 | Neale Gandy | +4 | 78 | 70 | 148 |
| T4 | Stephen Chewins | +4 | 73 | 75 | 148 |
View Full Leaderboard
About the Free State Senior
Open to any senior male amateur who is a full member of a Golf Club affiliated to a Union recognised by the S.A.G.A, and who at the time of submitting this entry shall have a handicap index of 7.1 or less. Entrants must be 50 years or older on the 25...
Most Popular Articles
Rory McIlroy Wins 2026 Seminole Pro-Member With Dad Gerry
Mar 2, 2026Rory McIlroy added another trophy to the mantle on golf’s most exclusive Monday, teaming with father Gerry at Seminole Golf Club.
U.S. Open Qualifying 2026: Local & Final Qualifying Sites for Shinnecock
Feb 19, 2026The road to Shinnecock Hills begins in April as 110 local qualifying sites and 13 final qualifying venues are set.
FINAL RESULTS: Gasparilla Invitational 2026
Feb 21, 2026Hayes Brown wins Gasparilla at 2-under, edging Peyton White by one, while Jeff Frazier claims the Senior title at Palma Ceia.
Michael McCoy Wins 2026 Jones Cup Senior Invitational at Sea Island
Feb 26, 20262026 Jones Cup Senior Invitational at Sea Island’s Seaside Course Final Results + Leaderboard
Top 10 Reasons to Compete at Sand Valley With Your Best Golf Partner in 2026
Feb 22, 2026Sand Valley makes ’26 the year for your best rivalry trip: five walkable links courses and big memories with your favorite partner