JJ Senekal cruised into the main draw of the Joburg Open on Tuesday as he carded a seven-under-par 65 at Benoni Country Club to win by three strokes.

He led nine other players who will tee it up on Thursday at Houghton Golf Club in the first DP World Tour event of the 2023 season. Co-sanctioned by the Sunshine Tour, it is the first of four DP World Tour tournaments between now and the end of the year. Senekal earned his spot with two eagles, five birdies and two bogeys.

Following him into the field were Therion Nel, Matthew Spacey and Jovan Rebula, all on four-under-par 68, three shots behind him. Ian Snyman, Malcolm Mitchell, Keagan Thomas and Sean Bradley all carded three-under-par 69s to share fourth. Franklin Manchest and Quintin Wilsnach each had two-under-par 70, and they got through a seven-man play-off for the remaining two spots. The unlucky losers were Thabang Simon, Kyle McClatchie, Keelan van Wyk, Divan van den Heever and Dwayne Basson.