In-form Pieter Moolman confident, eyes Order of Merit rise at Joburg Open

South African golfer Pieter Moolman is looking to make the most of the African DP World Tour swing, which kicks off with this week's Joburg Open.

The Joburg Open ushers in a new 2022/23 DP World Tour season as the 156 golfers vie for R17.5 million prize fund.

The Sunshine Tour co-sanctioned event will now be played at a new venue, Houghton Golf Club.

The Joburg Open is part of the Open qualifying series as it will give three players, not already exempt a spot in next year's 151st Open at Royal Liverpool.

It's an exciting week for all involved as South African golfers have an opportunity to make their mark on the DP World Tour.

In-form Moolman is excited and humbled to compete in the African Swing of the DP World Tour.

"It's always nice playing well in the DP World Tour events, obviously, the money is a lot better and you're playing against a stronger field," Moolman told News24.

"It's basically comparing yourself to what you will face in Europe. To play in them, I feel privileged because I've had to pre-qualify for these events for a long time.

"The fact that I'm playing and I don't have to pre-Q, it feels like my game's going in a good direction."

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At last year's rain and Covid-affected Joburg Open, Moolman finished 118th at Randpark Golf Club as fellow South African Thriston Lawrence took home the title.

Moolman has had a superb season thus far, securing seven top-10 finishes in 25 events and a win in October's Fortress Invitational at the Ebotse Golf & Country Resort.

"If I take my last couple of events that I've played, I've actually been hitting it pretty well," said Moolman.

"My game has been quite consistent for a while and I think that's why