The Joburg Open is the first tournament on the newly-named DP World Tour, formerly the European Tour. South Africa is one of 27 different countries the global Tour will visit across the next 12 months.

DP World and the European Tour group earlier this month announced a ground-breaking evolution to their long-term partnership, with DP World becoming the new title sponsor of the group’s main tour from the start of this season.

“What an honour to be able to hit that first tee shot, and what better place from my perspective than back home here in South Africa,” said Burmester.

The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Mpho Phalatse, was also on hand to witness a historic moment for golf in what was also her first event since being elected.

“This is big for Johannesburg tourism and the economy. We’re very excited to be able to host such a prestigious event. Johannesburg is the economic hub of Africa, and it’s wonderful to celebrate a major occasion such as this in such a strategic city.”