South Africans likely to maintain upper hand in 2012 Joburg Open
Joburg Open is going to start from January 12-15, 2012, featuring some of the prominent players from across the world.
Since the event takes place at the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club in Johannesburg, South Africa, South African players are expected to maintain the upper hand over their rivals.
However, there are plenty of non-South African players, who are likely to exhibit good performances and give their counterparts a tough challenge.
Joburg Open is a 72-hole stroke play event and typically involves 18 holes for each round. Moreover, an aspect that highlights the event's competitiveness is that over 200 players will be participating, trying to outplay their rivals.
Although the event does not run back decades, as it was founded in 2007, it provided fans with a chance to see competitive golf since its first year.
Players from South Africa have shown their clear ascendency right from the start, as they racked up three tournaments out of the total 5 played so far.
However, non-South African players have also proved their mettle, winning 2 events.
The last year's event was notable for a tough competition, as South African Charl Schwartzel outperformed all his rivals, clinching the title for the second time in a row.
Schwartzel carded an impressive 19 under 265. He came off well in all the four rounds, reeling off birdies.
The 2010 Open was also dominated by Charl Schwartzel, as he was able to bag the title with ease. He fired a massive 23 under 261.
Schwartzel gave his rivals a run for their money, piling up massive scores in all the 4 rounds.
Schwartzel carded an 8 under 60 in the first round, piling up a huge lead. In the third round, he grabbed the spectators' attention yet again, recording an 8 under 60.
Schwartzel can pose a serious challenge to his rivals in this year's event, given his phenomenal performance in the last two events.
Nonetheless, South Africans are not the only ones recording wins at the Joburg Open. Anders Hansen from Denmark also managed to win the 2009 event, dispelling concerns that the event has been dominated by the South African players only.
Despite non-South African players racking up two victories, South Africans maintained their presence, even in the events they could not finish first. For instance, the 2009 event saw South African Andrew McLardy finishing 2nd.
Similarly, the 1st event played in 2007 was won by the Argentinean Ariel Canete, but Andrew McLardy maintained his presence then too, finishing 2nd.
In addition to the players that have racked up victories in the Open, there are plenty of competent players gearing up to steal the show this year.
For instance, South African Louis Oosthuizen, who clinched the Africa Open this week, can pose a serious challenge to his rivals and the defending champion.
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