Madibaz star Zane Griesel celebrates his career-defining victory at USSA, from a lockdown hobby to a national university title.
Gqeberha, South Africa (14 December 2025) – Rising golf talent Zane Griesel continues to carve out his place in South African tertiary golf, achieving a major milestone this year with a commanding victory at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) championship at Humewood Golf Club in Gqeberha.
The Madibaz golfer has already built a reputation. Mind you, this is a skill he has carefully sharpened since discovering the sport during lockdown.
What began as a way to stay active while playing casual rounds with his uncle has since developed into an unwavering passion.
Today Zane is known for two defining strengths: long, accurate drives averaging around 280 metres, and confident long-iron play.
“My distance is definitely a big asset. Anything from a six-iron up just feels really good.”
His short game, however, remains the main area he continues to work on.
“My short game gets me into trouble more than anything else, so that is something I am working on.”
Humewood has become something of a home course to him, the site of both his biggest win and his lowest competitive round, a superb 66, recorded on its rolling fairways. Winning the USSA title there made the achievement even more meaningful.
“Claiming Ussa gold was a massive win for Madibaz Sport. I’m proud to study here and it’s great to promote Madibaz Golf in this way.”
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South Africa Makes Canoe Polo History at World ChampionshipsBalancing a demanding academic year with competition has been one of his biggest challenges. Still, he managed to stay steady when it mattered most.
“I haven’t been able to put in the hours I usually do but I managed things well, kept big numbers off the card and felt confident we’d get a good result.”
He is especially grateful to figures such as club president Karl du Preez, golf manager Theresa le Roux, and coach Wiele Rademeyer.
“Our success is because of all these people. They make sure we’re doing the right things.”
Yet even with preparation and talent, he believes the biggest test in golf remains unseen.
“It is such a taxing sport mentally; it’s definitely more important than the physical side. Your decision-making and how you bounce back is everything.”
His focus now is on refining his controlled-fade shot shape and continuing to sharpen his short game. Despite winning events like the St Francis Bay Classic and representing Eastern Province at U19 and senior level, he acknowledges that this USSA title stands above the rest.
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