2026 English Amateur champion Jamie Van Wyk has announced he is turning professional, bringing to a close a highly successful amateur career that has seen him establish himself as one of England's leading players.
The 25-year-old leaves the amateur ranks following a stellar period with England Golf's Men’s Squad, highlighted by victory at the 2026 English Amateur Championship, the biggest individual title of his career.
Van Wyk has enjoyed significant success on both the domestic and international stage over the last two seasons. In 2026, he was the only unbeaten player in England’s victorious international match against France at Golf de Chantilly, recording three wins and a halve to help secure the team triumph. He also claimed runner-up finishes at the Avondale Amateur in Australia and the Walton Heath Trophy, while finishing tied-3rd at the Australian Master of the Amateurs.
His achievements in 2025 included victory at the Welsh Men’s Open Stroke Play Championship and helping England win the Women’s & Men’s Home Internationals. He also recorded top-10 finishes at the NSW Amateur, Avondale Amateur and Concord Cup during a successful spell competing in Australia.
The Royal Lytham & St Annes golfer said: "2026 has been a great year. Being part of the England Men’s Squad has been a real lifelong dream. It's so special to be part of a great group of lads travelling all around Europe, whether that be to matches, tournaments or training camps.
"Obviously winning the English Amateur is my biggest achievement to date and something I am beyond proud of. It meant a great deal to me to have my family and friends there to watch me win, as it doesn’t always happen with the amount of travelling we do.
"In the team environment, winning the match against France was one particularly special moment. They had such a strong team on paper, but helping our team get over the line with 3.5 points from four matches was a real highlight for me."
Van Wyk is now looking ahead to life in the professional game and has set ambitious targets for his first season.
He added: "My goals for 2027 would be to win a professional event and give myself the chance to secure my card on the HotelPlanner Tour."
His first event as a professional will be the Ford NSW Open in Australia from 12-15 November at The Vintage Golf Course, Rothbury, before he plays in the Queensland PGA Championship at Nudgee Golf Club from 19-22 November.
The Lancashire golfer also paid tribute to the support he has received during his time with England Golf.
"Being a member of the England Men’s Team has helped me develop in many ways, with access to top-level facilities, world-class coaches, financial support and playing opportunities worldwide.
"Firstly, I'd like to thank Nigel Edwards, Stephen Burnett and Ben Gorvett for their management and advice. Additionally, Rob Watts and Nick Soto for all their coaching support over the last couple of years, helping me take my game to the next level."
Van Wyk becomes the latest graduate of England Golf's performance pathway to make the transition into the professional game, following Eliot Baker, who recently confirmed his professional status on the DP World Tour for 2027.
Van Wyk has enjoyed significant success on both the domestic and international stage over the last two seasons. In 2026, he was the only unbeaten player in England’s victorious international match against France at Golf de Chantilly, recording three wins and a halve to help secure the team triumph. He also claimed runner-up finishes at the Avondale Amateur in Australia and the Walton Heath Trophy, while finishing tied-3rd at the Australian Master of the Amateurs.
His achievements in 2025 included victory at the Welsh Men’s Open Stroke Play Championship and helping England win the Women’s & Men’s Home Internationals. He also recorded top-10 finishes at the NSW Amateur, Avondale Amateur and Concord Cup during a successful spell competing in Australia.
The Royal Lytham & St Annes golfer said: "2026 has been a great year. Being part of the England Men’s Squad has been a real lifelong dream. It's so special to be part of a great group of lads travelling all around Europe, whether that be to matches, tournaments or training camps.
"Obviously winning the English Amateur is my biggest achievement to date and something I am beyond proud of. It meant a great deal to me to have my family and friends there to watch me win, as it doesn’t always happen with the amount of travelling we do.
"In the team environment, winning the match against France was one particularly special moment. They had such a strong team on paper, but helping our team get over the line with 3.5 points from four matches was a real highlight for me."
Van Wyk is now looking ahead to life in the professional game and has set ambitious targets for his first season.
He added: "My goals for 2027 would be to win a professional event and give myself the chance to secure my card on the HotelPlanner Tour."
His first event as a professional will be the Ford NSW Open in Australia from 12-15 November at The Vintage Golf Course, Rothbury, before he plays in the Queensland PGA Championship at Nudgee Golf Club from 19-22 November.
The Lancashire golfer also paid tribute to the support he has received during his time with England Golf.
"Being a member of the England Men’s Team has helped me develop in many ways, with access to top-level facilities, world-class coaches, financial support and playing opportunities worldwide.
"Firstly, I'd like to thank Nigel Edwards, Stephen Burnett and Ben Gorvett for their management and advice. Additionally, Rob Watts and Nick Soto for all their coaching support over the last couple of years, helping me take my game to the next level."
Van Wyk becomes the latest graduate of England Golf's performance pathway to make the transition into the professional game, following Eliot Baker, who recently confirmed his professional status on the DP World Tour for 2027.
Contact details:
Tom Vale, Press & Media Manager
Tel: 07912 240850
Email: tom.vale@englandgolf.org
www.englandgolf.org
Tom Vale, Press & Media Manager
Tel: 07912 240850
Email: tom.vale@englandgolf.org
www.englandgolf.org