JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – NOVEMBER 26: Thriston Lawrence of South Africa on the 13th tee during the second round of the JOBURG Open at Randpark Golf Club on November 26, 2021 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Joburg Open clipped to allow foreigners to flee South Africa
Organisers decided to reduce the Joburg Open to 54 holes to help non-South African resident players, and staff return home.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – NOVEMBER 26: Thriston Lawrence of South Africa on the 13th tee during the second round of the JOBURG Open at Randpark Golf Club on November 26, 2021 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
The Joburg Open golf event has been cut to 54 holes and will now finish on Saturday 27 November.
Organisers decided to abbreviate the event after the announcement that a travel ban would be imposed upon South Africa in the coming days.
Joburg Open clipped to allow foreigners to flee
South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence currently leads the European Tour event carrying a four shot lead into Saturday’s final round.
A statement from the Sunshine Tour read:
“The Sunshine Tour, DP World Tour and City of Johannesburg have decided to reduce the Joburg Open to 54 holes to help non-South African resident players, caddies and tournament support staff return to their home countries. The decision was taken to help facilitate their safe return and give them an extra day to make travel arrangements.
“The move follows international travel restrictions imposed on South Africa on Friday due to the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant in the country.
“Round two of the Joburg Open will resume at 06:30 (local time) on Saturday morning, with the third and final round then due to start at 09.30 on Saturday at the earliest. The third round will be a two-tee start with players grouped in three-balls.”
Lawrence decided to focus on the red numbers on his scorecard instead of the red travel list as he surged into a four-stroke clubhouse lead in the Joburg Open at Randpark Golf Club.
On a challenging day, Lawrence kept his head down and focused on the task at hand. He made three birdies in his opening five holes, added two more at the ninth and 12th holes, eagled the par-five 14thand dropped his only shot of the day on the par-three 17th.
“It’s been great. Everything seems to be working well,” he said.
“I’ve made three eagles in two rounds so that’s six under right there. I’ve been hitting it nicely off the tee and this golf course rewards that. I’ve also been putting nicely for a change. I know this golf course quite well and have good confidence on these greens, so I’m very happy with where I am right now.”
