Jayden Schaper is hoping he can start the new year just as he ended the last and join illustrious company by winning his third straight event on the DP World Tour at the Dubai Invitational.
The South African has enjoyed a spectacular start to the 2026 Race to Dubai season, winning his maiden DP World Tour title on home soil at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in December before a week later claiming the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.
Refreshed after the festive break, Schaper now arrives at Dubai Creek Resort with the opportunity to emulate Sir Nick Faldo and the late, great Seve Ballesteros as just the third player to realise a hat-trick of consecutive titles since the Tour's inception in 1972.
Unfazed by the increased focus, the 24-year-old is relishing the chance to land his latest piece of silverware as the International Swing begins with the first of four events in the Middle East.
“Obviously you always come out, and you want to win every week,” said Schaper, a former two-time rookie of the year on the Sunshine Tour.
“So that's what we're doing out here. It'll be a nice extra boost for the [start of the] season. That's the goal.”
Both of Schaper's victories have come in play-offs, something only Faldo has achieved in Tour history in 1983, and amidst all the plaudits he has received in recent weeks, his biggest takeaway is his sense of belonging.
Asked just what his recent successes mean for his career moving forward, he replied: “I mean, it's a massive boost, but I think it's more the belief [it gives me].
“I've obviously been out here for a few years now and to get your first ones is just a massive bonus.
“But then like to wait five years for your first win and then to get your second one the week after is a special feeling.
T2 - Nedbank Golf Challenge 🇿🇦
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 13, 2026
1 - Alfred Dunhill Championship 🇿🇦
1 - AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open 🇲🇺
With two wins and a runner up finish in his first three starts of the 2026 season, Jayden Schaper is currently leading the Race to Dubai Rankings by over 680 points.
The South… pic.twitter.com/fFmfvXlT2y
“Obviously, both coming in the play-off is a bit different. You always want to be in the play-offs, but it's a tougher way to win.
"But I mean it's just a huge confidence booster. And just to know that you belong out here and it's nice to be in a position to do that.”
His form, a continuation of his progress from last season in which he registered nine top tens, has seen him rise to a career-high 59th in the Official World Golf Ranking and set the early pace on the Race to Dubai Rankings Delivered by DP World.
“The goals have changed a little bit, but you still want to top the rankings by the end of the year," he added.
“Up until this point I always wanted to get my first win, but I guess now it's trying to get your third one and just build on the start of the season.
"You just want to stick in there until the end of the year.”
The second edition of the Dubai Invitational will see 60 professionals contest a no-cut 72-hole stroke play DP World Tour tournament played concurrently with a three-day team Pro-Am from Thursday to Saturday, with Sunday featuring professionals only.
This week sees Schaper make his debut in an event that was first held in 2024, when Tommy Fleetwood claimed a one-shot victory over Rory McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence.
While not new to playing in Dubai, having previously played at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, he is looking forward to testing himself over the Dubai Creek layout, where water comes into play on several holes.
“First time out there today and the course is really nice," he said.
"I mean it's not that desert feel, you're kind of on the water, on the lagoon. So, it's really nice. I do enjoy it."
