The DP World Tour remains in South Africa this week as the field heads inland to Johannesburg for the annual Joburg Open. The tournament once again returns to Houghton Golf Club, a venue that has consistently produced low scoring and exciting finishes.
With altitude, tree-lined fairways and receptive greens, this event often turns into a birdie shootout, but only for those who position the ball correctly. Below, we assess the week from a betting angle and highlight four selections.
The Course – Houghton Golf Club
Houghton Golf Club sits approximately 5,000 feet (1,500 metres) above sea level, meaning the ball travels noticeably further than at coastal venues. While the course plays as a par 70, it is not long by modern standards, measuring just over 7,200 yards on the card but effectively shorter due to altitude.
The layout is a classic Highveld parkland design, framed by mature trees and guarded by strategically placed bunkers. The fairways are relatively generous, but poor positioning can leave awkward angles into firm, subtly contoured greens.
Because of the altitude and short par 4s, many players will have wedges and short irons in hand. This places a premium on approach play and putting rather than raw power. However, missing fairways into tree lines can quickly eliminate birdie opportunities.
Houghton has historically rewarded:
- Strong wedge players
- Confident putters
- Aggressive scorers who can capitalise on altitude
- Players comfortable on South African parkland layouts
When conditions are calm, scores can reach 18-under or lower. If wind picks up, staying out of the trees becomes key.
Previous Winners (2022, 2023 and 2024 at Houghton)
2025 – Calum Hill (Scotland) −14 (playoff)
2024 – No tournament
2023 – Dean Burmester (South Africa) −18
2022 – Dan Bradbury (England) −21
2021 – Thriston Lawrence (South Africa) −12
Betting (2026 Joburg Open) – Click here to bet
Jayden Schaper 9.50
Angel Ayora 12.00
Patrick Reed 13.00
Casey Jarvis 13.00
Hennie du Plessis 15.00
Francesco Laporta 23.00
Prices correct at the time of writing but subject to change
SELECTIONS:
Casey Jarvis at 13.00
Jarvis arrives in red-hot form after back-to-back DP World Tour victories. He claimed the Kenya Open and followed it up with a dominant win at the South African Open in Stellenbosch.
Momentum is everything in golf, and South Africans traditionally perform strongly in their home events and particularly the SA Open and Joburg Open. Given his confidence and current ball-striking, he looks capable of making it three in a row.
Casey Jarvis each way at 13.00
Patrick Reed at 13.00
Reed’s Highveld debut is intriguing. His short-game and wedge play are among the strongest on tour, and Houghton’s altitude means he will be attacking with short irons all week.
Although he finished 29th last week, he had previously recorded two wins and a runner-up in his prior three starts. On a course that rewards aggressive wedge play and confident putting, Reed is more than capable of bouncing back.
Patrick Reed each way at 13.00
Calum Hill at 36.00
The defending champion returns to a venue where he thrives. Hill showed his composure in last year’s playoff victory and continues to play steady golf.
Aside from a missed cut in Kenya, he has two runner-up finishes in his last four starts and posted a respectable 20th at the SA Open. Course comfort combined with solid recent form makes him very appealing at this price.
Calum Hill each way at 36.00
Johannes Veerman at 61.00
Veerman represents strong value in the 60/1+ bracket. He is a proven DP World Tour winner and thrives on shorter layouts where precision iron play and putting matter more than power.
Houghton’s altitude and wedge-heavy approach profile suit his strengths perfectly although of some concern is a missed cut here in 2025. If he finds rhythm with his irons early, he has the scoring ability to contend at a big price and he carries some decent form into this tournament.
At 61.00, he offers genuine each-way upside.
Johannes Veerman each way at 61.00
Click here for all the Joburg Open 2025 Markets
Note: Prices correct at the time of writing but subject to change
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