LAST week's results first as our headline tip Justin Rose finished 3rd (7/1 each way advised) , the other two selections Dustin Johnson finished 7th and just outside each way places and Jason Day finished well down the field.
Onto this week the European Tour returns to South Africa for a trip sanctioned event with the South African and Asian Tours. If you thought finding a winner in a normal weekly competition of 156 golfers spare a thought as 240—yes 240 tee up in South Africa. So finding the winner is not going to be easy.
The South African Open has merged with the Joburg Open and takes place at two courses in the Randpark Golf Club. Three rounds over the Firethorn Course (Par 72, 7,595 yards) and one round over the easier Par 71 Bushwillow Course.
Last year's Joburg Open was won at 23 under and a birdie fest is expected again this week.
Accuracy approach play and a hot putter is required this week with Scrambling especially importance.
Louis Oosthuizen, Brenden Grace and Charles Schwartzel head the home nation and Matt Wallace heads the British Challenge.
The weather can play a difference this week especially if the wind and rain arrives that is forecast.
I have chosen four this week starting with No 1 pick
Erik van Rooyen
ERIK VAN ROOYEN, finished 2nd on this course last year over 90% in Greens in regulation (GIR) and has improved a lot since then.
In the recent World Events the HSBC and Dubai World Championship he fired 8 rounds all under par. On current form he looks the value bet this week.
Dylan Frittelli
Second up is DYLAN FRITTELLI, currently in good form with a 5th place in Mauritius last week.
If the weather forecast is correct that plays into his hands as he loves the wind.
Now living in Texas he was born in Joburg and would love to be in contention on Sunday. A serious contender.
Shaun Norris
Third up is SHAUN NORRIS, another local lad who was born and brought up on these courses. Finished tied 3rd last year with four rounds in the sixties. Sure to be play well at a big price.
Justin Harding
Finally, JUSTIN HARDING who played in the final group at Mauritius last week and finally finished in 4th place.
He's won twice on the Sunshine Tour and twice on the Asian Tour and could be adding another win to last year's haul.
Again if his putter is as hot as it was last week won’t be too far away on Sunday.
Recommended bets
- Erik Van Rooyen 1 pt ew 28/1 Skybet 7 places
- Top 10 finish 1 pt 10/3 Betfair
- Dylan Frittelli 1 pt ew 11/1 Skybet
- Top 10 finish 1 pt 6/4 BetVictor
- Shaun Norris 1 pt ew 40/1 Bet365
- Top 10 finish 1 pt 4/1 Boylesports
- Justin Harding 1 pt ew 40/1 Skybet
- Top 10 finish 1 pt 4/1 Skybet
In December 2020 we sadly 
