Dan Breedbury Turns Pro in July, Wins Joburg Open
Secures 2-Year Tour Card and Earns Spot in The Open
[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Taewon] A sponsor-invited player who turned professional just four months ago created an upset by winning the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour).
Dan Bradbury (England) shot a 4-under-par 67 in the final round of the DP World Tour Joburg Open (total prize money 980,000 euros, approximately 1.35 billion won) held on the 28th (Korean time) at Houghton Golf Club (par 71) in Johannesburg, South Africa, finishing with a total score of 21-under-par 263 to claim victory.
The Joburg Open is the DP World Tour season opener held every November. This year, the Australian PGA Championship, held during the same period, was incorporated into the DP World Tour, resulting in two tournaments opening the season simultaneously.
The 23-year-old Bradbury is a graduate of the Lincoln Memorial University golf team in Tennessee, USA. He turned professional last July. This was his third appearance on the DP World Tour, all by sponsor invitation.
He notably led wire-to-wire throughout the four rounds without relinquishing first place even once.
Bradbury earned a winner's prize of 136,500 euros, a two-year eligibility to compete on the DP World Tour, and a spot in next year's Open Championship.
His world ranking, which had been as low as 1397th, rose to 551st following this victory.
He expressed his joy, saying, "I utilized my college experience. I tried not to make mistakes I shouldn't have. I played solid golf. As a professional, I had nowhere to compete, but this win has changed my life."
Sami Valimaki (Finland), who finished two strokes behind, took second place (18-under-par 266) and also secured a spot in next year's Open Championship.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
