Get ready as we preview the thrilling tri-sanctioned Joburg Open kicking off at the Randpark Golf Club on Wednesday, 7 December.
This festive weekend marks another exciting tri-sanctioned tournament as the tours settle in the beating heart of South Africa for the 12th Joburg Open. This event has always celebrated local talent, with eight of the 11 past winners proudly flying the South African flag.
Owing to renovations at Royal Johannesburg, the spotlight shifts to the Randpark Golf Club, a venue that hasn’t hosted this prestigious event since around the millennium shift, making this year’s predictions all the more thrillingly uncertain given the huge field of contenders.
The Joburg Open | 7 December – 10 December | Randpark Golf Club, Johannesburg
A staggering 240 players are set to tee off, with the first few days featuring a rotation between two courses. Bushwillow, stretching just over 7,100 yards, is expected to play easier compared to the daunting Firethorn, although the high altitude somewhat balances out the lengths. Both courses boast tree-lined fairways demanding precision, with deep rough that is likely to challenge players more than Royal Johannesburg. Recent heavy rains have softened the fairways, offering a welcoming surface for the long hitters, especially as the event transitions to the spacious Firethorn Course over the weekend.
Louis Oosthuizen remains the firm favourite, despite a less-than-stellar performance in Mauritius, and the vast field size tempers the allure of his odds. Last week’s champion, Dylan Frittelli, will be confident, while sharp contenders like Haydn Porteous and Paul Peterson lurk, promising a captivating contest. The move from February to December adds a lively, festive flavour to this year’s Joburg Open.
Past Champions
2017: Darren Fichardt (-15)
2016: Hayden Porteous (-18)
2015: Andy Sullivan (-17)
2014: George Coetzee (-19)
2013: Richard Sterne (-27)
Top Outright Winners’ Odds
Louis Oosthuizen 11/2, Dylan Frittelli 8/1, George Coetzee 14/1, Paul Peterson 20/1, Hayden Porteous 25/1
Value Picks for Bettors
Paul Peterson – To Win 20/1, To Place 44/10
Backed by form, the powerful-hitting American is enjoying the best phase of his career, with two recent runner-up finishes, including a commendable performance at the Hong Kong Open against a highly competitive field. His recent form of 8-2-7-2-22 makes him a top candidate to challenge the favourites, especially with Oosthuizen and Coetzee’s recent form looking less convincing.
Romain Langasque – To Win 50/1, To Place 11/1
Despite a tough 2017 season that saw him lose his European Tour card, the gifted Frenchman is one to watch. His third-place finish in Mauritius shows his quality, and with Dylan Frittelli endorsing Langasque as a likely future Ryder Cup star, punters should keep an eye on him. He was 11th in this tournament last year and performed well in the SA Open and Tshwane Open, clearly comfortable in South Africa.
Mikko Korhoven – To Win 140/1, To Place 30/1
While length is a factor at these courses, Korhoven’s pinpoint accuracy might make him a dark horse to watch. The Finnish player, twice runner-up in 2017, boasts strong South African credentials with a runner-up spot at the Tshwane Open and a seventh place at the BMW SA Open. Though he might prefer drier conditions, his knack for these courses could surprise many.
The Favourite to Beat – Hayden Porteous – To Win 25/1, To Place 11/2
Considering the doubts over Oosthuizen and the challenge of Frittelli defending his title, Porteous looks poised to make a big impact. The 2016 champion has shown consistent results recently and has proven his capabilities at Randpark, having won an amateur event here just four years ago, dominating a strong field by 14 shots. This course suits him perfectly.
Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets