The event is one of six tournaments in South Africa that are co-sanctioned by the Sunshine Tour as well as the European Challenge Tour.

JC Ritchie who won back-to-back events over the past fortnight will be favourite to win, while the local player, Wilco Nienaber, will also be one to watch.

Players such as MJ Viljoen, Alex Haindl and Jbe Kruger all have local knowledge of the courses and can do well, while the 2022 Dimension Data Pro-Am champion, Alexander Knappe, has also entered.

Many golfers on the Sunshine Tour went through the Q-school in Bloemfontein in order to earn their tour cards and this experience will also put them in good stead. Some notable players to have earned their cards in the City of Roses include the likes of Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Zander Lombaard. 

Trevor Kitching, the manager of Bloemfontein Golf Club told OFM Sport that they are ready to welcome supporters to the tournament.

“This is the first time that both the Bloemfontein Golf Club as well as the Schoeman Park have the privilege of hosting an European event. There is a lot of excitement from our side as well as from Schoeman Park.

“We look forward to seeing some great golf over the four days from Thursday to Sunday.

“What is important is that everyone is welcome to come join and watch a bit of golf. We have a fantastic spectators village where food and alcohol will be served.

“Remember that the entrance to the event is free and please just bring your vaccination certificate with.”

Today was the first practice round and the Mangaung Open tees off on Thursday morning.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport