The 2026 Joburg Open headlines this week’s DP World Tour action, taking place from March 5-8 at Houghton Golf Club in Johannesburg.
A regular stop on the tour’s South African element of the International Swing, the Joburg Open has built a reputation for producing exciting finishes and standout local performances against a strong international field.
The par‑72 Houghton layout offers an inviting blend of tree-lined fairways, receptive greens, and high‑altitude conditions that reward aggressive play and creativity.
An elite field of DP World Tour stars must adjust to the thinner air, which adds distance off the tee but demands precise club selection into firm, fast greens.
With sunshine and light winds forecast, this year’s edition promises another thrilling shootout as homegrown talents and global names battle for one of South Africa’s premier trophies.
Current 2026 Joburg Open Betting Odds
| Player | Betting Odds |
|---|---|
| Jayden Schaper | 9/1 (+900) |
| Patrick Reed | 12/1 (+1200) |
| Angel Ayora | 13/1 (+1300) |
| Hennie De Plessis | 14/1 (+1400) |
| Casey Jarvis | 14/1 (+1400) |
| Francesco Laporte | 22/1 (+2200) |
Leading 2026 Joburg Open Contenders
Jayden Schaper
Home favourite Jayden Schaper headlines the field and will look to claim another career title on home soil after victory at the end of 2025 in the Alfred Dunhill Championship.
A consistent performer on the DP World Tour this season, Schaper’s precision iron play and poise under pressure make him one of the most reliable South African challengers.
If he converts his birdie opportunities, he could well thrill the local fans come Sunday.
Patrick Reed
Former Masters champion Patrick Reed remains in South Africa after a disappointing week in the SA Open last week, and he is looking to add another global win to his resume.
Known for his short‑game artistry and competitive grit, Reed’s ability to grind out low rounds on demanding setups could give him the edge in a tight leaderboard battle this weekend.
Angel Ayora
Spain’s rising star Angel Ayora continues to turn heads with his power, and after a breakout 2025 season that included several top‑10 finishes he remains full of confidence.
His natural aggression suits the Houghton layout perfectly, and a maiden DP World Tour win may well be in sight if he keeps the driver in play.
Hennie De Plessis
Local hope Hennie De Plessis knows these Johannesburg courses better than most and he is in fine form over the last two weeks with two top-3 finishes.
His ability to flight the ball in the thin air and keep control on fast greens makes him a constant threat. Expect him to feature heavily over the weekend, especially if his putter warms up early.
Casey Jarvis
Another of South Africa’s new generation, Casey Jarvis has enjoyed two fine weeks with victory in the Kenya Open and the SA Open last week.
His fearless approach and comfort in altitude make him one of the most exciting prospects heading into the event. A strong start could see him seriously contend for the title for the third week running.
Francesco Laporta
Italian Francesco Laporta continues to impress with steady progress on tour and has enjoyed top four finishes in Kenya and Cape Town in the last two weeks.
Renowned for his tidy iron play and solid temperament, Laporte has the game to go low when conditions allow. He might fly under the radar again this week, but his consistency suggests he’s one to watch closely.
James is an avid golfer and reviews golf equipment and new gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com as well as providing the latest golf news. You will find him on a golf course wherever possible.