The PGA Tour may be on hiatus this week, but the rest of the professional golf world has been busy.
The DP World Tour featured not one but two season-opening events: The Fortinet Australian PGA Championship, which was won for the third time by Cameron Smith, and the Joburg Open in South Africa, which was won by newly-minted professional — and sponsor’s invite! — Dan Bradbury.
Playing in only his third-ever tournament as a professional, Bradbury, a 23-year-old Englishman, fired rounds of 63-66-67-67 to reach 21 under par — three shots clear of runner-up Sami Valimaki.
Bradbury entered the final round at Houghton Golf Club with a one-shot lead, then carded five birdies on Sunday, with his only bogey coming on the final hole.
With the win, the 23-year-old Englishman secures his place on the DP World Tour for two seasons, as well as a guaranteed berth in the 2023 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool — an incredible boon for any pro, let alone one who is just now embarking on his career.
Prior to claiming the title in South Africa, Bradbury’s best finish was T13 at the Open de Espana in October.
“It means the world, I wouldn’t be stood here without it,” Bradbury said of receiving a sponsor’s exemption this week. “I wouldn’t have anywhere to play this year really without it. It’s been life-changing now. So hopefully I make the most of it.”
