JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – England’s Dan Bradbury captured his second Joburg Open title in thrilling fashion on Sunday, holding off a late charge from local favorite Casey Jarvis to win by a single stroke at Houghton Golf Club.
The 2026 edition of the tournament, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and Sunshine Tour, concluded amid high drama on March 8. Bradbury carded a final-round 5-under-par 65 to finish at 17-under overall, securing his third career DP World Tour victory. The event, part of the tour’s “International Swing,” featured a prize fund of R20,500,000 (approximately €1 million) and offered 12,000 Race to Dubai points.
Bradbury’s win was far from straightforward. After a wayward drive on the par-4 18th, he relied on a clutch up-and-down for par to deny Jarvis a playoff opportunity. Jarvis, the 20-year-old South African sensation who was aiming to become just the third player in European Tour history to win three consecutive events—joining legends Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo—finished tied for second at 16-under with England’s Brandon Robinson Thompson.
“It’s quite tight and tree-lined. Got to drive it well. I did that,” Bradbury said post-round, crediting his accuracy off the tee on the challenging Houghton layout. The course, known for its demanding fairways, tested players throughout the week.
South Africa’s Hennie du Plessis had seized the lead after a blistering third-round 62 but stumbled in the finale, dropping out of contention. France’s David Ravetto rounded out the top five with a closing 66, finishing solo fifth at 14-under.
The final day was packed with highlights, including birdie barrages and a viral moment from the “Beat the Pro” challenge, where an amateur’s errant hook miraculously bounced off a bridge back toward the pin—dubbed by fans as the “luckiest shot ever.”
Social media buzzed with reactions to the finish. PING Golf celebrated Bradbury’s triumph on X, quoting his comments on the course. Analysts hailed it as a “textbook DPWT finish,” while betting enthusiasts noted profitable outright wagers.
Founded in 2007 and traditionally held at Royal Johannesburg & Kensington until 2017, the Joburg Open has become a staple for emerging talents. Bradbury’s repeat success underscores his affinity for South African tracks. With this win, he bolsters his standing in the Race to Dubai rankings as the tour shifts focus to upcoming events.