Kaminski on long-awaited, hard-fought Sunshine Tour triumph at St Francis: 'It's life-changing'

South African golfer Rupert Kaminski has a passion for many things, from nutrition, music and making a mean cup of coffee. But the 26-year-old finally tasted success for the first time since turning professional in 2018.

His 2018/19 Sunshine Tour season could not have gotten off on a worse foot as he failed to make the cut in all 12 events he played.

Fast forward to this past weekend, Kaminski showed immense character as he sealed a one-shot victory at the PGA Championship at a windy St Francis Links.

Kaminski soldiered on with the help of his team as he joined the likes of Gary Player, Dale Hayes, Ernie Els and Louis Oosthuizen to win the second-oldest tournament in South Africa.

Kaminski also battled with stomach flu in the build-up to the PGA Championship at St Francis.

Speaking to News24, Kaminski said he was worried about whether or not he'll be able to play in the Eastern Cape after suffering gastroenteritis following his tied for 28th finish at the Origins of Golf event in Stellenbosch.

More so, this past weekend, Kaminski warded off extreme winds and weather at St Francis Links, with the 72-hole tournament forced to conclude on Saturday.

Kaminski survived a testing day to hold off fellow countryman Matthew Spacey and seal his maiden Sunshine Tour title at SA's PGA Championship.

"I think having that happen early in the week, all expectations disappeared. I had quite a relaxed approach towards the tournament and that was just amplified, after being sick this week," Kaminski said.

It was a sweet victory for Kaminski.

"This has been so special," he said.

"It has its moments where it sinks in a bit and then I realise that I've just won and then I forget about it and then I remember ... so it's been really fun."

The win rewarded