“About Jbé”

James Barry “Jbé” Kruger (born 23 June 1986, Kimberley, South Africa) is a seasoned professional golfer, competing across the Japan Golf Tour, Asian Tour, and Sunshine Tour .

His golf started when I was 5 years old in a small town called Groblershoop, situated in the Northern Cape about +- 120 km from Upington.  This is only a 9-hole course with no grass, oil and sand greens.  At the age of 13, he was the youngest participant /qualifier in the Sanlam Cancer Callenge in 1999, with a handicap of 15.  What made this so special? It was the first time ever that a father and son qualified in the Sanlam Cancer Callenge. 

In 2001 we moved to Kathu and I had a handicap of 9.  Within a few months I became a scratch golfer and I could tell that the change to grass was for the better.  In 2003 and 2004 I became the Clubcampion in Kathu of which I was very proud.  Our school also became the SA School Champions which was a great confidence booster.

In 2004 we relocated to Bloemfontein  where I am now a life member of the Schoeman Park Golfclub.  I moved to Serengeti Golf Estate in February 2013. This suited my golf career with all the travelling perfectly. 

At 39, he brings nearly two decades of tour experience and consistency .

Standing around 166 cm (5’5″) and weighing ~61 kg (134 lbs), Kruger may be small in stature but is large in determination and technique—a long and accurate hitter despite his frame.

🏆 Tour Wins & Career Highlights

Kruger boasts  9 professional victories:

European Tour:  Avantha Masters (2012), his career-altering breakthrough

Japan Golf Tour:  Shinhan Donghae Open (2019), Shigeo Nagashima Invitational Sega Sammy Cup (2023)

Asian Tour: Includes the Avantha Masters (2012), Donghae Open (2019), and Mercuries Taiwan Masters (2024)

Sunshine Tour: Five wins spanning 2009–2021, including the Gauteng Championship (2021)

🎯 Playing Style & Persona

Kruger is known for:

Powerful ball striking, winning tournaments through accuracy and low spin drives

Tactical short-game mastery, particularly around greens on slippery course conditions

A mindset rooted in faith—many of his public comments reflect gratitude and spiritual grounding

✅ Quick Snapshot

Born on 23 June 1986, Kimberley, South Africa

Turned Pro2007

Tours Japan, Asian, Sunshine Tours

Pro Wins 9 ( EU:1, JP:2, AS:3, SA:5 )

Recent Highlights T17 in The Crowns  2025 schedule

🎙️ Final Thought

Jbé Kruger is a tenacious champion with a unique blend of global experience, technical skill, and faith-driven resolve. From his breakthrough in 2012 to his recent Taiwan Masters victory, he continues to prove that consistency, courage, and belief go hand in hand.