South Africa's standing in the international golf rankings is set to rise a notch or two in January next year with the launch of the inaugural Joburg Open.

South Africa's standing in the international golf rankings is set to rise a notch or two in January next year with the launch of the inaugural Joburg Open.

A public sector partnership with the City of Johannesburg, the Gauteng Economic Development Agency and a number of commercial sponsors, including Mesana Technologies and Eskom have rallied round the first staging of the multi-million event, to be hosted at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club from January 11 to 14.

Their support of this tournament, a joint venture between the Sunshine Tour and the European Tour, will add immeasurably to the profile of this world-class event.

"We want everyone in the city to feel that the Joburg Open belongs to them," said Amos Masondo, the executive mayor of Johannesburg.

"The tournament will showcase the city and its people to sports lovers throughout the world. We hope that what they see is a dynamic, multi-cultural community and a sophisticated destination that is ideal for events such as this."

As one of the richest tournaments on the Sunshine Tour calendar, the Joburg Open will also be one of the largest. With a total field size of 200 professionals - 100 each from the two Tours - both the East and West courses at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington will be played over the first two rounds. - Sapa