Every tradition has a beginning, and for the Braaider Cup, it all started with a few friends, a shared passion for golf, and the unmistakable South African love for a good braai.
Back in March 2005, The Witness captured the very first Braaider Cup hosted at Maritzburg Golf Club, the home of golf heritage in KwaZulu-Natal. The event was the brainchild of Don McDonald, who drew inspiration from the Ryder Cup, but with a proudly local twist. Instead of continents, the teams were divided into South Africa vs The Rest of the World, creating a rivalry that was as entertaining as it was competitive.
That first tournament brought laughter, sportsmanship, and a sense of camaraderie that could only come from mixing golf with a few tongs, coals, and ice-cold beers. Players weren’t just there to compete, they came to connect. The banter, the music, and the smell of braai smoke drifting across the course created an atmosphere that’s been impossible to replicate anywhere else.
From that moment, a new tradition was born, one that perfectly captured the spirit of Maritzburg Golf Club: friendly competition, great food, and an even better community.
Fast Forward to 2025 – The Braaider Cup Spirit Burns Brighter Than Ever
Almost twenty years later, that same spirit was alive and well on 25 October 2025, when members once again gathered at Maritzburg Golf Club for a day filled with laughter, friendly rivalry, and festive energy.
The atmosphere was electric from the first tee-off. Music, laughter, and cheering echoed across the fairways as players proudly represented their teams. The South African Team brought their A-game, and plenty of gees, to retain the Braaider Cup Trophy once again, keeping the tradition of local dominance intact.
Spectators and families joined in, enjoying the festive vibes and of course, the delicious smells of braai fires that made the day as much a social celebration as a sporting event. It was the perfect reminder that golf at MGC has never been just about the scorecard – it’s about connection, community, and the love of the game.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who played, organised, sponsored, or simply came out to support the event. The turnout was incredible, the energy was contagious, and the camaraderie made it a day to remember.
The True Winner
At the end of the day, while trophies were raised and bragging rights claimed, the real winner was Maritzburg Golf Club itself, its members, staff, and the tight-knit community who continue to make these events something truly special.
The Braaider Cup has become more than a golf event; it’s a celebration of heritage, pride, and the friendships that have grown over the years. From that first friendly challenge in 2005 to the roaring success of 2024, one thing remains certain: the Braaider Cup flame will keep burning bright at Maritzburg Golf Club.
Until we braai again.