Christiaan Bezuidenhout has returned home with an even stronger desire to win this week’s Joburg Open as he now plays for something bigger than just his own career.

Bezuidenhout became a father for the first time three weeks ago, and this marks the family’s first trip back to South Africa since then.

“We welcomed our son John about three weeks ago. It’s nice to be back in South Africa and to see friends and family again, and all the friendly faces on the Sunshine Tour as well,” he said.

Having already won the Investec South African Open and the Alfred Dunhill Championship, Bezuidenhout would love to add the Joburg Open to complete his list of Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour co-sanctioned titles at this time of the year. Especially as one of South Africa’s international stars who always returns home to support his local Tour.

“It’s always nice to come back home and support the local events. It’s great that the Joburg Open can have such a strong field and that kind of support shown for the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour,” he said of this year’s field which includes eight former champions, as well as a tantalising mix of local professionals hoping to make their mark such as Karabo Mokoena, Tristin Galant, Yurav Premlall and Siyanda Mwandla.

Bezuidenhout came close in this tournament at Houghton last year when he finished tied third behind English champion Dan Bradbury. Bezuidenhout’s other top finishes in this event include tied 15th in 2020, tied 30th in 2017 and tied 22nd in 2016.

He brings with him a game which he is still busy refining, but where he will certainly feel comfortable in conditions very familiar to him.

“I’ve made a few changes in my team and started with a new coach about six months ago. I had to make quite a few changes in my swing to get a little more consistency in my ball striking, so I’m still working through a few things in my swing. But I always feel comfortable playing in South Africa, and knowing the weather and the grass and the style of courses here. I’ve always been a fan of Houghton Golf Club and the course looks the best I’ve ever seen it. I’m looking forward to a great week.”

PHOTO CREDIT: SUNSHINE TOUR