South Africa’s sporting calendar is about to welcome an event unlike anything it has seen before.
The Icons Series, a global sports entertainment phenomenon that brings together some of the world’s most celebrated athletes, is officially coming to Africa. The inaugural Icons Cup South Africa will take place from 11 to 13 December 2026 at The Links at Fancourt in George, Western Cape, where sporting icons will swap their traditional arenas for one of the world’s finest golf courses.
The three-day tournament promises a thrilling battle between Team South Africa and Team World, with 28 internationally renowned sporting personalities competing in an intense match-play format that blends elite competition with entertainment.
A New Chapter for Sports Entertainment in Africa
The arrival of the Icons Series marks a significant milestone for African sport.
Hosted at The Links at Fancourt, South Africa’s top-ranked golf course in the heart of the Garden Route, the tournament introduces a fresh concept designed for today’s sports fans. Rather than watching athletes compete in the sports that made them famous, spectators will witness world-class competitors testing their skills on the golf course while representing national pride.
The event aims to deliver a unique experience that brings fans closer to sporting heroes than ever before, creating an atmosphere where competition, personality and entertainment collide.
With South Africa facing Team World, the stakes extend beyond golf, turning every match into a battle for international bragging rights.
Legendary Captains Lead the Charge
Leading Team South Africa is one of the country’s greatest golfers, Ernie Els.
The four-time Major champion will captain the home side as they attempt to lift the inaugural Icons Trophy on South African soil.
Standing opposite him is José María Olazábal, the two-time Masters champion and Ryder Cup legend, who will guide Team World in their mission to silence the home crowd.
The rivalry between two golfing greats provides the perfect foundation for a competition built around passion, pride and sporting excellence.
The First Star Players Are Revealed
Both captains have already begun assembling formidable teams featuring globally recognised sporting legends.
Team South Africa
South Africa’s first confirmed players include:
- AB de Villiers, one of the most innovative and destructive batters in modern cricket history, former Proteas captain and an accomplished golfer who plays off a 2.3 handicap.
- Fourie du Preez, the legendary Springbok scrum-half and 2007 Rugby World Cup winner, whose competitive mindset and tactical brilliance now move from the rugby field to the fairways of Fancourt.
Team World
Representing Team World are:
- John Terry, former Chelsea and England captain, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest defenders and a passionate golfer with a single-figure handicap.
- Brian Lara, the legendary West Indian cricketer whose elegance with the bat is matched by his competitive approach to golf.
The remaining player line-up will be announced in the coming weeks.
Competition Beyond Their Sporting Careers
Unlike traditional exhibition golf events, the Icons Series places elite athletes into a fiercely competitive team environment.
Across three days of match-play competition, players will rely on the same winning mentality that defined their professional careers while adapting to the challenges of one of South Africa’s premier golf courses.
The format promises intense rivalries, national pride and memorable moments as athletes seek success in a completely different sporting arena.
Icons Series Founder Welcomes South Africa
Thomas Brookes, Founder and CEO of the Icons Series, says South Africa is the ideal destination for the tournament’s African debut.
He describes the Icons Series as a celebration of sport’s ability to unite people through competition, patriotism and unscripted drama.
According to Brookes, South Africa’s rich sporting heritage and passionate fan base, combined with the world-class setting of The Links at Fancourt, create the perfect stage for 28 of the world’s greatest athletes to test themselves outside their traditional sports.
Captains Ready for Battle
Ernie Els believes representing South Africa on home soil is both an honour and a responsibility.
He says the addition of AB de Villiers and Fourie du Preez strengthens Team South Africa with proven winners who understand what it means to defend home turf, adding that the team is determined to show the world how South Africans compete.
José María Olazábal, meanwhile, has made it clear that Team World has no intention of playing the role of respectful visitors.
While acknowledging South Africa’s sporting history and Fancourt’s reputation as a world-class golf course, he insists his squad of international icons will arrive ready to compete and spoil the home team’s celebrations.
Tickets Now on Sale
While thousands of fans are expected to travel to George and the Garden Route during the December holiday season, global audiences will also be able to follow the action through live broadcasts.
Broadcast partners, streaming schedules and additional player announcements will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Tickets and exclusive hospitality packages are available from today through TicketPro, while further event updates and pre-registration information can be found on the official Icons Series website.
As South Africa prepares to welcome some of the biggest names in world sport to its fairways, the Icons Cup promises to redefine sports entertainment by proving that true champions never stop competing—no matter the playing field.
