The 34-year-old Dean Burmester is delighted to have qualified for the 152nd Open Championship that will be played at Royal Troon next year.

On Sunday, the Bloemfonteiner who no resides in the USA, qualified to play in the iconic major for just the second time in his career by winning the Joburg Open at the Houghton Golf Club.

Burmester’s only outing at the world’s oldest Open was in 2022 at St Andrews where he finished in a tie for 11th. This edition of the Open was a special one as it was the 150th time it was played.

Burmester said playing in the Open is one of the biggest tests in the sport and qualify for the event in South Africa makes it that more special.

“I love the Open Championship,” said the new Joburg Open champion.

“The 150th Open at St Andrews that I played in was probably the greatest spectacle I've ever witnessed. They put on one of the most special shows in golf.

“I look forward to Troon - I know it's going to be a good test and it's going to be tough, but hopefully we have some decent weather.

“Links golf is the truest form of golf and to qualify in my home country is super special.”

Meanwhile, for now Burmester’s focus is on the world’s second oldest open, the South African Open that tees off on Thursday at the Blair Athol Golf & Equestrian Estate.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport