Jonsson Workwear Open tips: Robin Williams and Shaun Norris to lead South African challenge

Jonsson Workwear Open key stats:

• When: March 7-10 2024
• Where: Glendower Golf Club, Edenvale, South Africa
• How long: 7,542 yards - par 72
• What to expect: High altitude, parkland set-up, narrow fairways, 11 water hazards, plenty of trees
• Who won last year: Nick Bachem (-24)

This is a co-sanctioned event with South Africa’s Sunshine Tour, and looks to be very open at the top of the betting market this week, with homegrown hope Thriston Lawrence the early favourite at 16/1.

A four-time winner on the DP World Tour, as well as being a homegrown golfer who has won at altitude, Lawrence claimed the runner-up spot at the Dubai Invitational recently. That level slipped recently, but despite the manner of his recovery to finish 10th at last week’s SDC Championship, his odds seem a tad on the skinny side.

On or around the 18/1 mark is a trio of capable golfers who just seem to struggle to get over the line and win tournaments. Ewen Ferguson usually contends without winning, and he finished in the top ten in Qatar and Kenya before finishing down the field last weekend. 

Zander Lombard had been shaping up nicely in the Middle East swing, but was off his game last week, missing the cut. I am now against him at these odds due to his complete lack of consistency, and the same argument can be aimed at Tom McKibbin, who had his chances last week but failed to deliver when push came to shove.

Above all those, we're plumping for another up-and-coming South African talent in the shape of Robin Williams, who is a previous winner on this course on the Sunshine Tour. 

He has slowly been establishing a name for himself in DP World company, and earned himself a bumper payout at last week’s SDC Championship when losing out in a play-off to American Jordan Gumberg.

Indeed, Williams looked to be cruising towards a famous win, only to blow a two-stroke lead over the last couple of holes, but clearly his game is in great shape and he could thrive again on home soil and with local support. 

Suggested bet: Robin Williams (40/1) each-way in the Jonsson Workwear Open

 

Others to watch:

• Connor Syme (25/1) - Fourth last week, seventh the week before, this is a good chance for him to break a 148-tournament duck.
• Louis De Jager (40/1) - Plenty of experience on these courses and has been bubbling just below the leading pack all year.
• Richie Ramsay (50/1) - Four wins on the DP World Tour, the Scot will be better for last week’s rounds after returning from a three-week break.
• David Ravetto (60/1) - Third last week and buoyed by the recent good performance of his fellow Frenchman Matthieu Pavon - could go big again here. If he can maintain that form
• Brandon Stone (75/1) - A winner in South Africa before, has performed well on the USPGA Tour on occasions, and could make those odds look very big by Sunday.
• Shaun Norris (100/1) - A multiple winner on the Asian, Japanese and Sunshine tours and with one DP World Tour win in South Africa, Norris can pop up and contend here at altitude on home turf.

Suggested bet: Shaun Norris (100/1) each-way in the Jonsson Workwear Open

Suggested bet summary:

• Robin Williams (40/1) - 1 point each-way 
• Shaun Norris  (100/1) - 1 point each-way