History and competition collide as golfers prepare for Kimberley’s iconic event

With just about a week to go before the 2025 Barney Barnato Golf Tournament, Kimberley is preparing to welcome golfers from across South Africa to its historic Kimberley Golf Club. 

The event, running from Thursday, October 30, to Saturday, November 1, is one of the Northern Cape’s most anticipated sporting traditions, blending skill, heritage, and community, along with a healthy dose of competitiveness.

Remembering Barney Barnato

The tournament honours Barney Barnato, the self-made tycoon who rose from the streets of London’s Whitechapel district to become a diamond and gold magnate in South Africa. 

Competing fiercely with Cecil John Rhodes for control of Kimberley’s mines, Barnato left a lasting mark on the city, and his legacy continues to inspire competitors and spectators alike.

The course: a test of skill

Kimberley Golf Club’s 18-hole, par-72 layout, dating back to 1890, provides a distinctive challenge. Semi-desert conditions, wide fairways, and occasional gusty winds demand precision and patience from all players, whether seasoned amateurs or occasional professionals.

Veteran participants describe it as a course where “every round feels like a piece of history,” making it as much about heritage as it is about competition.

Schedule and competition

The 2025 edition runs over three days. Thursday, October 30, will see the opening rounds kick off across several divisions, with prizes up for grabs. The event’s inclusivity is highlighted on the ‘Mini Barney’ day, giving younger and less experienced golfers a chance to participate.

Friday, October 31, builds on the momentum with continued competition, community engagement, and casual social activities like braais and live music. The event’s friendly atmosphere encourages players, families, and spectators to mingle and share the experience of golf rooted in tradition.

The tournament reaches its climax on Saturday, November 1, when the final rounds are played and the Barnato Champion Golfer of the Year is crowned. Spectators are welcome to cheer from the fairways or the clubhouse, ensuring a lively and communal finale.

Community and tourism impact

Beyond the competition, the tournament continues to be a social highlight for Kimberley. It draws visitors who often explore the city’s historic landmarks, from the Big Hole to the preserved old mining quarter. 

The event also supports the local economy by attracting participants and their families to the region.

More than just golf

What sets the Barney Barnato apart is its ability to unite generations — veteran players, newcomers, and casual spectators alike — around a shared passion for golf and a celebration of Kimberley’s history. 

The tournament blends competition with community, creating a weekend where skill, perseverance, and pride converge.

As Kimberley prepares to welcome its players and spectators, anticipation is high. The tees are ready, scorecards are being printed, and the stage is set for three days of golf where history and competition meet on every fairway, green, and social gathering.