SA Open on par with the best

The Firethorn and Bushwillow golf courses at Randpark Golf Club were witness to some of the world’s best golf during the SA Open.

Weather ranged from hot and sunny to outright stormy during the tournament between 6 and 9 December.

A whopping 240 golfers from all over the world competed in the tournament, which was sponsored by the City of Johannesburg, the Sunshine Tour, the European Tour and the Asian Tour.

Top-quality golf was played over this time and many fans and spectators ended up rooting for Madalitso Muthiya from Zambia to become the first black African to win the tournament or for Charl Schwartzel to win after an excellent first two rounds.

It was close but in the end, it was Louis Oosthuizen who pulled ahead and won six shots clear of Romain Langasque of France.

“The tournament was a huge success,” said SA Open promoter and City of Johannesburg events director, Bongi Mokaba.

“It was the first year we had park and ride facilities to minimise traffic, make travel easier for spectators and keep the community happy.”

She commended Randpark Golf Club for its excellent drainage system that ensured the greens dried quickly after rain.

“To have a South African win and a black African in the top 10, this has been a tournament to remember.”

For two days prior to the tournament, exciting events were held at the club including the pro-am tournament and a youth development coaching clinic.

A Hats and Heels Breakfast was held on the first morning of the tournament to raise money for The Ernie Els Centre for Autism South Africa.

Randpark can count itself a lucky club, as organisers have chosen it to host the next two SA Opens as well.

This will include the next two Joburg Opens because the two opens have merged.

Also read: SA Open comes to town

Club general manager, Francois Swart said the two courses rated among the best in South Africa and allowed competitors the opportunity to play a variety of golf before making the cut.

Bushwillow is the older of the two, with beautiful, well-established trees, a tight layout and small greens.

Firethorn is modern with a long layout.

“We had very little notice since the announcement was made late October, not to mention that we had very little rain to assist with course preparation,” Swart said.

“These challenges were easily overcome when working with a great team at Randpark, the City of Joburg, Sunshine Tour and European Tour.”

Also read: Randpark Golf Club sees the world’s best at Joburg Open