The Road to Mallorca remains in South Africa for the Mangaung Open, the fourth of seven events co-sanctioned with the Sunshine Tour. The tournament will be played across both Bloemfontein Golf Club and Schoeman Park Golf Club and here’s what you need to know before the action gets under way.
Historic Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein Golf Club, founded in 1894, is one of the oldest clubs in South Africa. In 1953 the course moved to its current location next to Schoeman Park Golf Club and was redesigned by Englishman Bob Grimsdell. 40 years later the layout was upgraded by Peter Matkovich and Dale Hayes with the addition of new look bunkers and grass greens, formerly the greens were made from blue coloured by products from the local mine. The club has hosted the South African Open on two occasions, the South African amateur four times and an exhibition match between Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus in 1966.
Schoeman Park Golf Club
Schoeman Park Golf Club runs alongside Bloemfontein Golf Club, with both courses sitting opposite the enormous railway depot. The club, founded by Scottish railway workers in 1904, was named after former Transport Minister Ben Schoeman, who previously worked on the railways as a driver and fireman. Keeping the clubs roots at heart, there is an old railway carriage positioned close to the first tee.
Nienaber returns to his roots
Wilco Nienaber grew up in Bloemfontein, attending Grey College high school, and will return to the city of his roots this week for the Mangaung Open. The South African will be looking to impress in front of his local crowd, with friends and family likely to attend.
Nienaber has started the 2022 Road to Mallorca strongly with a tenth place finish at the season opening Dimension Data Pro-Am followed by a 21st place at the Bain’s Whisky Cape Tow Open. The 21-year-old secured a maiden Challenge Tour victory last year at the Dimension Data Pro-Am but will be looking for his first victory this year as he goes in search of a top 20 finish on the Road to Mallorca Rankings having narrowly missed out DP World Tour playing rights last season.
