There are a handful of players on the DP World Tour who have grabbed hold of good form and are not willing to let go. It seems obvious to highlight a golfer who did well the previous week, but the reality is that in this sport it happens less than logic would dictate. Quite the opposite occurs, it’s a kind of burnout, thinking that the season is half-fixed or, at least, well on track. Golf is mentally very tough, and it’s not easy to stay on top week in and week out. Those who manage it are ‘Class A’.
The first round of the Joburg Open is being a visceral tribute to good form. The leaders are Jayden Schaper (-6), one of the three double winners on the DP World Tour this season, and Nathan Kimsey (-6), an Englishman who is experiencing his best moment on the circuit since he moved up from the Challenge Tour three years ago. Indeed, he comes from a top 10 finish in Kenya and last week at the South African Open. Two in a row. He hadn’t finished in the top 10 since 2023. It seems that little by little the injury that left him K.O. practically all of 2024 is now definitely behind him.
Schaper’s performance is spectacular. Indeed, he occupies second place in the Race to Dubai. So far this season, he has two victories, a second place, a fourth, and a ninth. He has made all the cuts, and his worst result was a 52nd in Bahrain. When it comes to form, Schaper is on another level. The South African could reclaim the Number One spot in the Race if he wins the Joburg Open. There’s still a long way to go, but it’s certainly interesting. He needs to win and for Patrick Reed (-1) to finish worse than 12th. So far, both conditions are being met. What a duel.
Speaking of form, Hennie du Plessis (-4), who fought for victory until the end last week, is already up there at the Houghton Golf Club. The same goes for Jacob Skov Olesen (-5), two top 10 finishes in the last three tournaments.
As for the Spaniards, a good start for Rocco Repetto (-3) and Sebas García (-3). Both have provisionally placed themselves in the top 10 of the tournament. Rocco’s round was an extraordinary madness, with eight birdies, three bogeys, and a double bogey. What a brutal ability to score the brave player from Málaga has. Meanwhile, Sebas has signed a much calmer round, with five birdies and two bogeys.
Additionally, Ángel Hidalgo (-1), Rafa Cabrera Bello (PAR), Alejandro del Rey (PAR), and Iván Cantero (+1) are all well-positioned to fight for the cut this Friday and even still aspire to say many things in the three remaining rounds. Manu Elvira (+5) has made things very complicated for himself.
