Joburg Open champion Dean Burmester heads into the weekend of The Open just five shots off the lead, pursuing the first Major victory of his career.
Burmester, who qualified for The Open by winning the Joburg Open at Houghton Golf Club last year, posted rounds of 71 and 69 at Royal Troon, finishing 36 holes at two under par overall. Irishman Shane Lowry leads the field at seven under par.
Burmester is the leading South African going into the weekend.
Thriston Lawrence, winner of the Joburg Open in 2021, and Darren Fichardt, the 2017 Joburg Open champion who finished runner-up last year, also made the cut at three over par and six over par, respectively.
Burmester expressed his delight with his second-round performance in difficult conditions. “I’m enjoying it, and it was obviously a super special round of golf for me. I like the way I’m hitting certain golf shots. There are some things I could do better, but I’m taking it one day at a time and seeing what happens,” he says.
Burmester, fresh off back-to-back titles on the DP World Tour, including a thrilling victory at the Investec South African Championship a week after clinching the Joburg Open, is one of three top golfers, including Fichardt and Dan Bradbury, who secured their spots in this prestigious tournament while playing in the Joburg Open.
The Open qualifying series offers the top three finishers in the annual Joburg Open International Golf Tournament a chance to compete against the world’s best at the 152nd Open, taking place from Thursday, 18 to Sunday, 21 July at Royal Troon in Scotland.
“I’m just going to enjoy it. I’m going to relish where I am and enjoy being part of this amazing event. It’s just super cool. I’ve won on tough golf courses before, and this is no different,” Burmester adds.
Bongi Mokaba, the City of Johannesburg’s Events Director and Joburg Open tournament promoter, says she would be glued to her TV screen watching how the Joburg Open trio perform at The Open.
“The City of Johannesburg can now boast of several young men across the world who have flown the Joburg brand high, having been afforded the opportunity to play in the world’s Old Major through the Joburg Open. By hosting such tournaments, we position Joburg globally as a sports destination of choice,” said Mokaba.
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