Golf stars head to Durban for major event

A HOST of South African and international golfers are heading to Durban in February to compete in the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open, putting the coastal city firmly in the spotlight of global professional golf.

The tournament, part of the Sunshine Tour and HotelPlanner Tour, will be played at the historic Durban Country Club from 19 to 22 February. The prize fund is set at R6 million, depending on the US dollar exchange rate.

The Durban Open concludes the South African Swing of four HotelPlanner Tour events, which act as the main pathway for players seeking promotion to the DP World Tour. Strong performances in the tournament will be critical for South African professionals aiming to climb the Road to Mallorca Rankings and secure spots on next season’s international tour.

The event coincides with a major renovation of the Durban Country Club course, restoring it to championship condition. Nick Jonsson, CEO and Chairman of Jonsson Workwear, said bringing the tournament back to Durban was “incredibly meaningful” for the company.

“This is where our business was built, and where our headquarters are still located. Seeing it return to the Durban Country Club, one of South Africa’s great historic courses, and witnessing international golfers experience the rejuvenated course makes this homecoming even more memorable. Durban has a proud sporting heritage, and we’re proud to partner with the City in hosting an event that spotlights excellence right here on our doorstep,” he said.

The Durban Open has previously produced significant milestones for South African golf. JC Ritchie, the tournament winner in 2022, became the first South African to finish top of the Road to Mallorca Rankings, securing promotion to the DP World Tour. Last year, Dylan Naidoo became the first South African player of colour to win the Investec South African Open, also hosted at Durban Country Club.

Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour, highlighted the tournament’s role in developing professional golfers. “Through consistent exposure on the HotelPlanner Tour, several of our members have graduated onto the DP World Tour. Jonsson Workwear shares this vision of developing greatness on our fairways, and particularly in Durban, which has a rich golf heritage,” he said.

The City of Durban also sees the tournament as an opportunity for community engagement and economic growth. City Manager Musa Mbhele said the event would include youth golf clinics, mentorship programmes, and outreach initiatives aimed at inspiring young athletes, particularly from disadvantaged areas.

“Hosting the tournament in Durban will not only promote the city as a global sporting destination, but also provide a platform for local youngsters to learn from professional golfers and cultivate interest in the sport,” Mbhele said. “It’s about fostering social cohesion and giving communities a chance to come together through the spirit of competition and friendship.”

The HotelPlanner Tour has made South Africa the starting point of its season for six consecutive years, providing rising stars a platform to compete alongside the Sunshine Tour’s best. Jamie Hodges, Director of the HotelPlanner Tour, said: “Durban Country Club, having hosted the Investec South African Open last year, is the perfect setting to close out our South African swing. We are incredibly grateful to the Sunshine Tour, Jonsson Workwear, and the City of Durban for their commitment to this event.”

With top local and international golfers preparing to tee off, Durban is set to showcase not only its championship golf course but also its growing reputation as a destination for sport, culture, and tourism.