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Dean Burmester, Darren Fichardt and Dan Bradbury qualify for Open
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Dean Burmester, Darren Fichardt and Dan Bradbury qualify for Open

Dean Burmester, Darren Fichardt and Dan Bradbury have qualified for The 152nd Open at Royal Troon through the Joburg Open.

The Joburg Open was the first event in the Open Qualifying Series, which offers players opportunities around the world to qualify for golf’s oldest Major Championship.

Burmester claimed a three-shot victory after posting four rounds in the 60s at Houghton Golf Club, including a second-round 62, to win at 18 under, with fellow South African Fichardt his nearest challenger and defending Joburg Open champion Bradbury two shots further back.

"I love The Open Championship," said Burmester, who finished 11th in his only previous Open appearance in 2021. "The 150th Open at St Andrews that I played in was probably the greatest spectacle that I've ever witnessed. They put on one of the most special shows in golf.

"I look forward to Troon and I know it's going to be a good test, I know it's tough, hopefully we have decent weather.

"Links golf is the truest form of golf and to get through in my home country is super special.

"As a kid it was probably the one I wanted to win the most and hopefully I can give myself an opportunity over the four days that I'm there."

Fichardt - fresh from regaining his DP World Tour card at the Qualifying School - will return to play in The Open for the seventh time and first since qualifying in 2017 by virtue of his victory in the Joburg Open as he looks to make the weekend for the first time.

"It means a lot," he said. "I've had six Opens already and it's going to be awesome.

"I haven't had a good track record in The Open so I want to rectify that, I want to have a good week and get that bad streak out of the way."

Englishman Bradbury ensured his place at Royal Troon with a final-round 64 to claim the third qualifying spot, a year on from sealing his Open debut with his victory in South Africa.

"If you can't win, this is the next best thing," he said. "It's a great bonus for the event and I'm really looking forward to it. Didn't do great last year so hopefully I can do better next time.

"The Open is the biggest event I've ever played and this one will be the biggest event again.

"It was a very special feeling playing it last year and I'm really, really looking forward to going again."

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