England’s Dan Bradbury claimed his second Joburg Open title at Houghton Golf Club on Sunday, 8 March 2026, sealing victory in dramatic fashion as the tournament once again showcased Johannesburg on the global golfing stage while also supporting grassroots development.
Bradbury finished the tournament on 17 under par following a superb final round of 65. His closing performance featured a crucial birdie on the 17th hole and a superb chip on the 18th that saved par and secured the title.
The final stretch produced a tense battle, with South Africa’s Casey Jarvis coming agonisingly close to forcing a playoff. Jarvis missed a six-foot putt on the final hole and finished tied on 16-under-par alongside Brandon Robinson Thompson.
The victory marks Bradbury’s second Joburg Open title, adding to his 2022 triumph and placing him among the tournament’s multiple winners alongside South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel and Richard Sterne.
Bradbury said a run of birdies on holes nine, ten and eleven reignited his charge. “The three birdies in a row at holes nine, 10 and 11 were probably the turning point for me and got me back in the tournament,” he said. “Then at holes 12 and 13 I knew I was in this.”
His composure was tested on the final hole when his second shot ran beyond the green, leaving a delicate chip to save par. “That chip on 18 – I’m not known for my short game, so I was really pleased with that one. I was literally shaking over it.”
Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Dada Morero congratulated Bradbury and praised the tournament for once again placing Johannesburg at the centre of international golf.
“By winning the Joburg Open once again, Dan Bradbury becomes an ambassador for the City of Johannesburg wherever he goes. For the past week the eyes of the golfing world have been firmly focused on Johannesburg, showcasing our world-class facilities and vibrant sporting culture to millions of viewers across the globe.”
Beyond the excitement on the fairways, this year’s tournament also highlighted the power of sport to uplift communities. A special four-ball auction held during the Pro-Am raised funds for junior golf development at Soweto Country Club.
The initiative featured the 2025 Courier Guy Order of Merit winner Danie van Tonder, with spirited bidding ending when Jason Shield from Betway secured the winning bid of R35 000. All proceeds will support coaching, equipment and development opportunities for young golfers from Soweto.
Junior coach Ramoroka Magooa brought 30 young golfers from the Andrew Mlangeni Golf Development programme to watch the professionals compete.
“Seeing the professionals play makes golf look possible for them,” he said. “Many of these young players come from communities where the sport still feels out of reach, but watching the pros up close inspires them.”
By combining world-class competition with meaningful community impact, the Joburg Open continues to strengthen Johannesburg’s reputation as both a premier sporting destination and a city committed to developing the next generation of champions.
Written by Luyanda Lunika