Conor Purcell is eager to kickstart his season at this week’s Jonsson Workwear Durban Open, the last of four co-sanctioned events between the HotelPlanner Tour and Sunshine Tour in South Africa.
The Irishman, who returned to the HotelPlanner Tour this year after spending a solitary campaign on the DP World Tour, has featured in all three events so far in the Rainbow Nation and posted a season-high finish at the CIRCA Cape Town Open a fortnight ago, where he ended the week inside the top 30.
And, with aspirations of returning to Golf’s Global Tour at the first attempt, the 28-year-old is eyeing a positive outing at one of South Africa’s most storied venues.
“The game has been feeling good,” he said. “I feel like I’m getting back into the swing of things now and hopefully we can post a good week out here.
“Last year on the DP World Tour didn’t go to plan. I didn’t play great and didn’t feel like I had any sort of game with me. I’ve got my head in a good spot again and looking to get myself in the top 15 again this year. A win or two would be nice too.
“I’ve seen some positive signs in the first few weeks where I haven’t been great but still managed to get it round and shoot a score. It’s a results business and the score is all that matters.”
Purcell earned promotion from the HotelPlanner Tour in 2024 following an impressive campaign which included two victories, coming at the Black Desert NI Open presented by Tom McKibbin and Hangzhou Open.
The two-time HotelPlanner Tour winner, however, struggled for form during his first full season in the top tier, eventually finishing 150th on the Race to Dubai.
But, despite enduring a disappointing 2025, Purcell believes his experience on the DP World Tour will only benefit him as he looks to add a second promotion to his resume.
“In golf, any experience good or bad, is going to have a good impression on you,” he added.
“The hard times when you’re going through them you learn loads about yourself and your game. I feel like I’m coming back stronger than before.
“I don’t think there’s a massive difference [on the DP World Tour] in standard but there’s a lot of change, new places and new courses. For me I find that hard. It’s a lot to get used to and it can be hard to focus on the golf.
“I felt like I was chasing for the second half of the year, a little bit flustered and not having the results I wanted. My game wasn’t that far away, I just wasn’t performing the way I could, and the game didn’t show up when I needed it.”
Purcell will tee it up at Durban Country Club for the first time this week and, after a weather-affected four days in George at the NTT DATA Pro-Am, the 28-year-old is expecting a very different test.
“This week is a change from last week,” he said. “It will be a different ball game this week. I’ve heard it’s a strong golf course and can be quite challenging off the fairway. It’s renowned for being one of the best out here so looking forward to playing it.”
Purcell is part of a strong field at the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open including DP World Tour winners Brandon Stone and David Horsey, along with Road to Mallorca Number Two, Will Enefer.
