Major glory for Joburg Open
Since its debut as a European Tour and Sunshine Tour co-sanctioned event in 2007, the Joburg Open has helped grow the international careers of many of its winners.
The Joburg Open will soon take its place among the biggest in the game, as a qualifying tournament for the Open Championship.
Since its debut as a European Tour and Sunshine Tour co-sanctioned event in 2007, the Joburg Open has helped grow the international careers of many of its winners.
Now it will serve as a doorway into the 2014 Open at Royal Liverpool. The top three finishers within the top 10 of the Joburg Open, not already exempt, will gain entry into the Open.
This year’s €1.3-million Joburg Open tournament will be played at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club from February 6 to 9.
Former champions Richard Sterne, Branden Grace, Charl Schwartzel and Ariel Canete, as well as 2005 US Open champion Michael Campbell, will be at this year’s tournament.
The Joburg Open will 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.
City of Johannesburg (CoJ) acting mayor, Clr Geoffrey Makhubo said, “Since its inception, the Joburg Open has been viewed as one of the flagship sporting events of the CoJ. 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.”
Mr George O’Grady, the chief executive of the European Tour said, “The Joburg Open is one of the flagship South African events on our international schedule and its continued growth reflects the healthy relationship we have with the Sunshine Tour and South African golf.”
