City of Johannesburg executive mayor kickstarted the Joburg Open with a tee shot
Houghton Golf Club hosted eight SA Open events; the first of which took place in 1951.
Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Kabelo Gwamanda proudly hit the ceremonial tee shot for the 2023 Joburg Open on November 23 at the Houghton Golf Club.
Gwamanda said it was an exciting moment for him to be closely associated with a sport that is a major tourist attraction for the city.
The mayor noted that the city has been looking forward to the new season of the DP World Tour for months. “The City of Johannesburg has a rich history and heritage and we have world-class facilities and are delighted to welcome professionals from around the world to our city.”
Houghton Golf Club hosted eight SA Open events, the first of which took place in 1951. The course was also the chosen venue for the prestigious Alfred Dunhill Championship.
A total of 155 professional golfers from around the world will be competing this week for a share of the R20.5 million in prize money.
Golfer returns to SA with a stronger desire to win
Christiaan Bezuidenhout returned home with an even stronger desire to win this week’s Joburg Open as he now plays for something bigger than his own career.
According to Sunshine Tour, Having already won the Investec South African Open and the Alfred Dunhill Championship, Bezuidenhout would love to add the Joburg Open to complete his list of Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour co-sanctioned titles at this time of the year. Especially as one of South Africa’s international stars who always returns home to support his local Tour.
“It is always nice to come back home and support the local events. It is great that the Joburg Open can have such a strong field and that type of support shown for the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour.”
Bezuidenhout came close in this tournament at Houghton last year when he finished tied third behind English champion Dan Bradbury. His other top finishes in this event include tied 15th in 2020, tied 30th in 2017, and tied 22nd in 2016.
“I have made a few changes in my team and started with a new coach about six months ago. I had to make quite a few changes in my swing to get a little more consistency in my ball striking, so I am still working through a few things in my swing. But I always feel comfortable playing in South Africa and knowing the weather and the grass and the style of courses here.”
