The co-sanctioned event sees 216 players from across South Africa and the rest of the world competing in an international event in Bloemfontein for the first time.

The in-form JC Ritchie is the man to beat following back-to-back wins in the two previous tournaments on tour.

Should Ritchie manage a win in Bloemfontein this week he will automatic earn his DP World Tour card and be able to play at a higher level across the world. In doing so he will also become the first player to win a hat-trick of Challenge Tour events.

Ritchie conceded that he nearly took a break from golf this week.

“I thought about taking a week off this week to get a rest, but while I’m hot I’ll keep playing and see if I’ll be blessed to get another win,” said Ritchie.

“I’ll take this week as calmly as I can and get my energy levels back up because there are still a lot of events coming up. These Challenge Tour events on the Sunshine Tour are life-changing for us. Previously, the chances were quite limited for South Africans to get onto the DP World Tour. 

“You had the big co-sanctioned tournaments and then qualifying school. For us to have another foot in the door and a few more stepping stones we can climb with this Challenge Tour series, is life-changing for us.”

The Mangaung Open runs until Sunday afternoon.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport