STINGER GC’S BURMESTER WINS JOBURG OPEN, EARNS OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP SPOT

Dean Burmester, a member of LIV Golf’s all-South African Stinger GC team, posted his 10th career professional win Sunday after a brilliant bogey-free 6-under 64 to capture the Joburg Open.

Burmester finished the four-round tournament at 18 under, three shots ahead of fellow South African Darren Fichardt at Houghton Golf Club outside Johannesburg.

The tournament is part of the Sunshine Tour schedule and co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour. The victory guarantees Burmester a spot in the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon, with the top three finishers at the Joburg Open not otherwise exempt receiving invites.

“It sounds pretty cool to be the Joburg Open champion,” said Burmester, who was born in Zimbabwe but represents South Africa. “I’ve been playing this event for so long and to win it is amazing. That was my goal coming home. I hadn’t won this year and have been playing well, so to come here and win a tournament in my home country in front of my home fans with some of my family here is very special.”

The 34-year-old Burmester joined LIV Golf prior to the 2023 season as the newest member in Stingers captain Louis Oosthuizen’s lineup. He produced a solid first season, finishing 14th in the Individual standings with five top-10 points finishes. His best result was third place in Orlando. The Joburg Open was his second start since the end of the LIV Golf League season.

He started Sunday’s final round in solo second, three shots behind 54-hole leader and fellow South African Thriston Lawrence. But with Lawrence struggling on Sunday en route to a 5-over 75, Burmester took the lead on the fifth hole. He was 2 under at the turn, birdied the par-5 10th, and added three more birdies in his final six holes.

While Burmester had been in good form this year, he did not have much time to prep for the tournament. His second-round 62 on Friday moved him into contention entering the weekend.

“We recently bought a house in Florida and were busy moving so there wasn’t much time to prepare for this event,” said Burmester. “But when I landed here, I did some great preparation in the practice rounds and that set the tone for me. I felt comfortable on the golf course.”

It was 10 years ago on the Sunshine Tour when Burmester won for the first time as a professional at the 2013 Polokwane Classic. His status on the Sunshine Tour was running out, but the victory will allow him to maintain his membership.

“The Sunshine Tour is a special place and there are a lot of friends here. It’s a great breeding ground for world golf. I’m glad to be here and be home. This is a beautiful game. Golf is growing fast. There were so many kids out here today and if this can make one kid take up golf, then it’s worth it. I was once that kid at a Sunshine Tour event in Bloemfontein standing next to a scoreboard changing scores. And now here I am today. So, I want to now do my part and give back as well.”

Securing a spot in the Open Championship also added to Sunday’s celebration. Burmester finished 11th in the 2022 Open won by Cameron Smith, and made his Open debut in 2021, tying for 40th.

"I love The Open Championship," Burmeste said. "The 150th Open at St Andrews that I played in was probably the greatest spectacle that I've ever witnessed. They put on one of the most special shows in golf.

"I look forward to Troon and I know it's going to be a good test, I know it's tough, hopefully we have decent weather. Links golf is the truest form of golf and to get through in my home country is super special. As a kid it was probably the one I wanted to win the most and hopefully I can give myself an opportunity over the four days that I'm there.”