Joburg Open Preview, Picks & Analysis

THE European Tour heads to South Africa for three tournaments, starting with the Joburg Open at Randpark Golf Club. At the end of this South Africa Swing the top 60 in the Race to Dubai will head to Dubai for the season-ending DP World Championship, so there is all to play for.

Keep an eye on 20-year-old Wilco Nienaber. He is a hugely impressive ball striker and a player many believe is destined for the very top. South African golf is in great shape right now and Nienaber has the look of a man who could turn out to be very special. He has just returned from a spell in Europe during which he showed some flashes of things to come. He could develop a great rivalry in the years to come with fellow South African Garrick Higgo, who only turned professional last year and won the Open de Portugal at Royal Obidos in only his seventh start. He has also won on the Sunshine Tour and finished third at the Cyprus Open at Aphrodite Hills. It would take a brave man to bet against a home winner this week.

(Oliver Wilson Looking for a Strong Result)

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: “I am delighted to see the Joburg Open back on our schedule this year. We have a wonderful relationship with the Sunshine Tour stretching back over many years and this co-sanctioned tournament is another example of that.

“I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Johann Rupert, Thomas Abt, Selwyn Nathan and everyone at the Sunshine Tour for their commitment in making this happen, in addition to the Executive Mayor and the City of Johannesburg for their help and support.”

The Joburg Open was last played in December 2017, when it was won by Shubhankar Sharma. It was also played in February of that same year, with Darren Fichardt coming out on top. It was won in 2016 by Haydn Porteous and in 2015 by Andy Sullivan.

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To Win: 

Garrick Higgo. Prodigious young talent

Each Way:

Wilco Nienabar. Massive potential

Fantasy Picks:

Garrick Higgo. Knows how to win

Wilco Nienabar. Keep your eye on this youngster

Brandon Stone. One of the best swings in the game

Adrian Otaegui. In the form of his life

Alex Levy. Looked impressive in Cyprus

Shubhankar Sharma. Showing some encouraging signs

Steven Brown.  Underrated

Joost Luiten. Really needs a good week or two