Course Overview
The Joburg Open is played at Houghton Golf Club in Johannesburg, South Africa — a Sandbelt-influenced parkland course in the affluent northern suburbs of Johannesburg, co-sanctioned between the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour. Houghton Golf Club has hosted some of South Africa’s most prestigious amateur and professional events throughout its long history and plays to approximately 7,039 yards at par 71 through mature tree-lined corridors at the Highveld elevation of around 1,750 metres above sea level.
The Highveld altitude means the ball travels significantly further than at sea level, requiring adjustments to club selection throughout the round. The firm, fast Bermuda surfaces and the Johannesburg sunshine create demanding playing conditions, while the established trees on many holes create visually interesting corridors that must be navigated accurately from the tee.
What to Look For
The Joburg Open typically attracts a mix of DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour members, with South African players benefiting from familiarity with the altitude and course conditions. Altitude adjustment in club selection and strong putting on firm Bermuda surfaces are the key performance factors. Past Joburg Open champions include Shaun Norris, Thriston Lawrence, and Callum Hill.