Joburg Open Pro-Am sets stage for golfing excellence
The Houghton Golf Club has witnessed the commencement of the week-long Joburg Open, with the invite-only Pro-Am featuring an impressive field of golfing excellence.
Reigning champion Dan Bradbury led a star-studded cast, including former executives and previous titleholders, in a display of skill and camaraderie.
Showcasing his golfing prowess, the English maestro’s alliance members included former Sunshine Tour Executive Director Selwyn Nathan, former Chief of the South African Defence Force General Solly Shoke, and former Johannesburg City Manager Mavela Dlamini.
The Pro-Am featured three more previous champions, with Thriston Lawrence (2021), Darren Fichardt (2017), and Hayden Porteous (2016) adding to the tournament’s rich history.
This accomplished lineup set the stage for a competitive Pro-Am, creating anticipation for the upcoming Joburg Open International Golf Tournament, which tees-off between Thursday, 23 November and Sunday, 26 November.
The Pro-Am showcased a unique blend of amateurs, including business leaders, celebrities, and golf enthusiasts. This mix added an element of competition and camaraderie to the course, setting a vibrant tone for the days ahead.
Tournament promoter Bongi Mokaba shared her excitement, revealing that a total of 30 professional golfers and 90 amateurs were invited to participate in this year’s Joburg Open Pro-Am.
Mokaba expressed confidence in the buildup to the tournament and anticipated an unforgettable event, emphasising her commitment despite not being at full strength.
“Although I might not be at 100% right now, I can confidently say that by Sunday, when we gather for the trophy handover, I’ll be absolutely ecstatic,” she enthused.
The Pro-Am lineup featured other distinguished participants such as Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour; Mandla Mlangeni, a board member of the Sunshine Tour; Sarah Wisser, City of Johannesburg PR Councillor; Stephen Nale, CEO of Joburg City Auto BMW; Craig Newman, Group Chief Executive Officer at GL Events South Africa; and Oupa Seabi, CEO of Gauteng Funding Agency.
As the Pro-Am unfolded, golfers navigated the lush fairways of the renowned par-70 golf course, known for its distinctive parkland layout. The Houghton Golf Club presented a challenging landscape with firm greens, tree-lined fairways, and ponds, adding complexity to the strategic considerations of both professional and amateur players.
As the Houghton Golf Club prepares to welcome this illustrious lineup, Mokaba said golf enthusiasts can anticipate four days of thrilling competition during the Joburg Open International Golf Tournament, where the battle for the title and the coveted trophy will unfold on the challenging fairways and greens of this renowned course.
The event is open to spectators. Tickets are available for purchase on the Sunshine Tour website (https://quickbuy.mygolflife.co.za/sunshine-tour/2023-joburg-open)