The Jonsson Workwear Open is making its debut on the DP World Tour this week as the circuit ends its visit to South Africa in March. Take a look at my three betting selections for the action at The Club at Steyn City, but first…
2023 Jonsson Workwear Open preview
Venue: The Club at Steyn City, South Africa
Date: March 23-26, 2023
Course stats: Par 72; 7,716 yards
Course summary: The Club at Steyn City is situated 1350 metres above sea level with the Jukskei River flowing among the wooded parkland. Thousands of trees were planted on the course in 2013 to increase the natural beauty of this DP World Tour venue.
2023 Jonsson Workwear Open betting tips
The Banker: Matthieu Pavon @ 33/1 with Bet365
Matthieu Pavon has certainly become one of the more consistent plays over the past couple of seasons, perhaps one of the beneficiaries of the slightly weaker DP World Tour since the shake-up. This hasn’t yet translated into a win, but I think it can here.
In his last four events, Pavon has finished 9th, 6th, 33rd, and 8th, and even when 33rd, he was 9th after 36 holes, and 11th after 54 holes, so the form is clearly there.
His 8th last week was built around ranking 2nd in Ball Striking. This was down to ranking 6th in Driving Distance and 15th in Accuracy, as well as hitting the second most greens in regulation on the week. This is a tremendous sign, as he heads to a course that is set up for birdies.
Last year, the Frenchman could only finish 48th here, but he was 21st going into the weekend and scored 69 or better in three of his rounds, so there is certainly scope for improvement, at the second time of asking. After a slow start last week, opening with a 73, Pavon rallied with rounds of 69-68-67, and the fact he got better every day encourages me as we head into a new week, where the test is arguably more suited to his game.
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The Each-Way Play: Tom McKibbin @ 33/1 with Bet365
Tom McKibbin is someone I targeted earlier in the season, and as he continues to find his feet at this level, I think he now arrives at a test that should suit his game.
McKibbin is perhaps a better driver than he is even given credit for, and that can help him out here, as he looks to take advantage of his length and set up ample birdie opportunities on this resort-style course.
The Northern Irishman is already drawing comparisons to Rory McIlroy, and whilst that is largely just down to hailing from the same golf club, his debut season doesn’t look all too dissimilar to the former World No 1’s either. I am not saying we should expect him to develop into the player McIlroy has become, but he does show signs of potential.
McKibbin started his season with three straight top-18 finishes in South Africa, and over his past four starts, he has posted another three top 25s, two of which have come in Africa. His T18 finish last week was another sign he loves this part of the world, and whilst he has yet to finish inside the top 10 on the DP World Tour, I think he has shown enough to suggest he can contend on a suitable golf course this week.
Another Each Way: Shaun Norris @ 50/1 with Bet365
He finished outside the top 30 again last week, which has been the story of Norris’ season so far, but the South African was 10th going into the final round at the SDC Championship, and considering he posted a final round 63 in Kenya the week before to finish T20, things may well be looking up for this experienced pro.
It may just be that final day slide that helped us get odds of 50-1, as Norris was the last player to win at The Club at Steyn City, winning the Steyn City Championship at -25 last year.
He rode a hot putter to victory last year, and was fortunate that Dean Burmester surrendered the lead, but I will still take 50-1 odds about the last player to win on this course, and someone who has won 10 times worldwide.
- Visit Bet365 for more prices
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