Joburg Open heralds return of international golf to South Africa

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International golf returns to South Africa in November after a nine-month coronavirus-induced suspension with the reintroduction of the Joburg Open, it was announced Tuesday.

The event, last staged in 2017 and won by Indian Shubhankar Sharma, is co-sanctioned by the European Tour and Sunshine Tour. 

Randpark Golf Club, which boasts two international-standard courses in suburban Johannesburg, will host the Joburg Open from 19-22 November.

Joburg Open: International golf returns to South Africa

There were no Joburg Open tournaments in 2018 or 2019 as the city hosted the South African Open instead.

COVID-19 forced the cancellation this year of the Nedbank Golf Challenge – popularly known as the African major – that was scheduled for northwestern resort Sun City.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome back the Joburg Open to our schedule,” said Sunshine Tour commissioner Thomas Abt. “(It) is a momentous moment for South African professional golf as we also welcome back international competition to our fairways after a lengthy break.”

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: “I am delighted to see the Joburg Open back on our schedule.

“We have a wonderful relationship with the Sunshine Tour stretching back many years and this co-sanctioned tournament is another example of that.”

Past winners 

Previous champions include South African Charl Schwartzel, once ranked sixth in the world and the winner of the 2011 Masters.

A South African golf official told AFP that details of at least two other European Tour/Sunshine Tour tournaments this season were expected to be announced soon.

© Agence France-Presse

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