It takes place from February 6-9 at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club.
Since its debut as a European Tour and Sunshine Tour co-sanctioned event in 2007, the Joburg Open has helped to grow the international careers of many of its winners.
The top three finishers within the top 10 of the Joburg Open not already exempt will gain entry into the Open.
The €1.3-million tournament is another major milestone in the evolution of this event that has always sought to bring world-class golf to a world-class African City.
This year’s field includes former champions Richard Sterne, Branden Grace, Charl Schwartzel and Ariel Canete, as well as 2005 US Open champion Michael Campbell.
“Since its inception the Joburg Open has been viewed as one of the flagship sporting events of the City of Johannesburg. Its alignment with the most historic Major in golf is another powerful affirmation of our vision to showcase a tournament that is a source of pride for the residents of Johannesburg.
This is a world-class African city, and being at the forefront of global tournaments in golf in this way is further evidence of the high standards of excellence we set for our city,” says City Manager Trevor Fowler, at the sponsors’ cocktail function in Sandton this week.
This year’s Joburg Open will also pay tribute to former president Nelson Mandela by contributing to the fundraising drive for the building of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Johannesburg.
Yesterday, the CoJ and the players’ hosted their annual coaching clinics with almost 80 young golfers at the Alexandra Driving Range in Alex, a stone throw away from Sandton.
We hope the inclement weather won’t affect todays’ play.
