Joburg Open Tournament Preview 2016

The European Tour turns its attentions to the Joburg Open at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club. Andy Sullivan will be aiming to defend his title.

Andy Sullivan shot 17-under-par in the 2015 Joburg Open, finishing two shots clear of the chasing field.

This event was first played on the European Tour in 2007 and it is co-sanctioned with the South African Sunshine Tour. Since the start of its inclusion on the European Tour, the title has been won six times by South African players, including two victories each for Charl Schwartzel and Richard Sterne.

Other winners include George Coetzee, Ariel Canete, Anders Hansen and Branden Grace.

The first two rounds of the tournament are played on both the West and East course, while the final two rounds are played just on the East course.

The Joburg Open is the only tournament in South Africa where the top three finishers get direct entry to the 2016 British Open.

Venue: Royal Johannesburg & Kensington GC

Date: Jan 14-17 Course stats: East Course – Par 71, 7,590 yards; West Course – Par 71, 7,203 yards Purse: €1,300,000 Winner: €206,050 Defending Champion: Andy Sullivan (-17)

TV Coverage:

Thursday 14 – Sky Sports from 08:30am Friday 15 – Sky Sports from 08:30am Saturday 16 – Sky Sports from 10:30am Sunday 17 – Sky Sports from 10:00am

Player watch: Brandon Stone - Can the young South African make it two wins in a row, having won The BMW SA Open last week.

Jaco Van Zyl – The South African is in a very solid run of form and with some top players away this week he can take down the win this week.

Paul Dunne – The Irishman had an unfortunate tummy bug last Thursday so had to miss out on his debut, will be very eager to get off to a good start here in South Africa.

Key hole: 11^th East Course – A 500 yard par four, so long-hitting is vital. The hole also requires a straight drive and a precise approach shot over the water. If players are not careful, they can pick up high scores.