The Road to Mallorca heads to Durban Country Club this week for the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open, the last of four co-sanctioned events between the HotelPlanner Tour and Sunshine Tour. Here’s all you need to know…
Back on the schedule
Having hosted the inaugural edition of the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open four years ago, Durban Country Club returns to the Road to Mallorca schedule for a second time this week. The storied venue, opened in 1922 and designed by George Waterman, has hosted 18 Investec South African Opens, most recently in 2025 as Dylan Naidoo secured a maiden DP World Tour victory on home soil after a weather-affected four days on South Africa’s east coast.
As well as boasting impressive recent credentials, Durban Country Club was the scene of Gary Player’s first South African Open triumph in 1956 before the nine-time Major champion returned to the venue 13 years later to win his seventh edition of the event.
Six-time Major winner Ernie Els has also tasted victory in Durban, securing a three-shot win and his first South African Open title back in 1998.
Eye-catching holes
There are several eye-catching holes at this week’s venue, none more so than the par five third, considered one of the best longer holes in all of golf. An elevated tee shot, overlooking the Indian Ocean, onto a narrow fairway surrounded by dense bush makes the third one of Durban Country Club’s toughest tests.
The drivable par four 18th also promises to provide drama this week, with those able to keep it long and straight gaining a distinct advantage and a closing eagle a genuine possibility. During the 1993 South African Open, Els hit two balls out of bounds as he chased down Tony Johnstone, eventually finishing seven strokes adrift having been within three on the 72nd hole’s tee box.
Finally, the par three 12th – named the Prince of Wales – could prove troublesome this week. The short hole’s name emerged after the Prince of Wales allegedly made a 12 after hitting multiple shots from either side of the green’s steep run-offs. Any wayward approach could cause similar problems for the 156-man field this week. The 12th at Durban Country Club was also the scene of a rare occurrence during the 2025 South African Open as Dale Whitnell made his second hole in one of the day during the second round before eventually signing for a nine under par 63.
Ritchie magic
Whoever runs out victorious on South Africa’s east coast this week will follow in the footsteps of 2025 Rankings winner, JC Ritchie, who produced a dominant performance the last time the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open was co-sanctioned between the HotelPlanner Tour and Sunshine Tour four years ago. Ritchie headed into the final round with a ten-stroke lead on 25 under, a 54-hole scoring record on the HotelPlanner Tour and following a one under par closing round of 71 to see off a late charge from Belgium’s Christopher Mivis, Ritchie cruised to a second win in as many weeks following his triumph at the 2022 Cape Town Open. The South African, of course, earned promotion to the DP World Tour last year and has since gone on to make the cut for a first time at a Rolex Series event, coming at the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
The final leg
This week’s event in Durban is the final leg of a four-event swing in South Africa, rounding off an exciting month in the Rainbow Nation. The SDC Open at Zebula, won by home favourite MJ Viljoen kicked off the season before Englishman Will Enefer came through a play-off to win the CIRCA Cape Town Open at Royal Cape Golf Club.
Another South African winner prevailed at last week’s NTT DATA Pro-Am brought to you by Standard Bank as MJ Daffue produced a closing eagle to seal a maiden victory at Fancourt Golf Estate.
A three-week break takes place following this week’s event in Durban before the HotelPlanner Tour heads to India for back-to-back events in the country.
