Scot Calum Hill has returned to Johannesburg on a high as he heads into this week’s Joburg Championship title defence in the South African capital.
Hill ended a four-year victory drought twelve months ago cutting a swathe through the final round field, coming from eight shots back in posting a sizzling 62 under a ‘one-club’ preferred lie rule on the rain-softened Houghton course fairways to grab the clubhouse lead ahead of a near hour long wait to be crowned champion.
The Crook of Devon golfer emerged from the clubhouse to join two others and with all three managing to dodge the threat of approaching lightning and for the Scot to claim his second DP World Tour win beating home favourites Jacques Kruyswijk and Shanu Norris with a par at the second extra hole play-off.
HILL ON A HIGH …
Calum Hill @CalumHill95 eagerly looking forward to defending his @JoburgOpen_ title this week in the South African capital
“It was a special time here a year ago, finishing in the manner I did, shooting a 62 and then winning the play-off.”
Read:… pic.twitter.com/KwiISJi3G7
— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) March 4, 2026
Among those first to congratulate Hill was wife, Miranda along with good friend and fellow Scot Connor Syme, who shared ninth.
Of note, Hill’s triumph came just a few months after being dumped by equipment supplier PING following a 17-year relationship.
Hill said: “It’s great being back in Joburg and so many fond memories returning.
“It was a special time here a year ago, finishing in the manner I did, shooting a 62 and then winning the play-off.
“It was just an awesome week. I look back pretty pleased with what I managed to accomplish and naturally it would be nice to repeat the win this week.
“The game is in good shape. I’ve had a nice start to the year and I’d like to just keep that momentum going this week. I think my game combined with the good memories here all adds up to a decent week. The course is soft after all the rain, but overall it’s immaculate.”
If successful, Hill will be just the second player in the 18-year history of the event after Masters champion Charl Schwartzel in 2011 to defend the title.
Joining Hill this week are fellow Scots Scott Jamieson, Richie Ramsay, Daniel Young, David Law, Ewen Ferguson, Euan Walker and Connor Syme.
