Champion Dylan Naidoo is ready to defend his Investec SA Open title from Thursday at Stellenbosch Golf Club.
Image: Tyrone Winfield
Some of the world’s best golfers are set to tee it up in front of a sold-out crowd at the South African Open at Stellenbosch Golf Club from Thursday morning, all chasing more than just a trophy.
With prized exemptions into The Masters and The Open Championship up for grabs, there is plenty on the line as they battle to be crowned champion in the Winelands.
Defending champion Dylan Naidoo returns with something to prove. Last year in Durban, he claimed his breakthrough title after the tournament was shortened to 54 holes due to rain, holding his nerve in a tense play-off to seal the win. This time, it will be the full 72-hole examination — and Naidoo is eager to show he can go the distance.
“This has always been the one tournament that means the most to us as South African golfers. This one has the history and the gravitas. It’s a really exciting week. I want to give my absolute best,” Naidoo said.
He will face a formidable challenge.
Naidoo leads a strong South African charge that includes Major winners Ernie Els and Charl Schwartzel, along with Dean Burmester, Branden Grace and Thriston Lawrence. Add American Ryder Cup star and 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed to the mix, and the competition looks as deep as ever.
Five-time SA Open champion Els said it is amazing to be back for the 115th edition. The veteran will start his round at 12.30pm alongside Naidoo and Judd Sundelson. Grace will follow at 12.40pm with countryman Shaun Norris and Scotland’s Oliver Lindell in the opening round.
“It will take me a while to sum up what this Championship means to me,” Els said.
“The victory in 1992 at Houghton was a big one for me, and that started my tournament wins around the world. It earned me my European Tour card and US playing privileges. This tournament was the start of my entire career.
“I will be starting on the first tee, and there will be a little bit of nerves. I think a lot of people will want to see me play as I did in my heyday, but I will give it a go. I am swinging it nicely, and the body feels okay. I am excited to play and hopefully have a good week, and enjoy the people and the golf course.
“The weather conditions will be challenging. The fairways are very narrow, and the rough is patchy, so you can have some very difficult lies. The wind will always play a factor.”
For Reed, his first experience of South Africa has been an enjoyable one so far.
The American will begin his bid for the title ahead of Els, teeing off at 12.20pm from the first tee. Schwartzel, whom he most recently played alongside in the LIV Golf League, is grouped with him, along with Frenchman Martin Couvra.
Reed is currently playing on the DP World Tour as he looks to work his way back onto the PGA Tour following his departure from LIV Golf.
“This is a demanding course off the tee with really narrow fairways,” Reed said ahead of his debut.
“It is not particularly long, but you have to play from the short grass. You must hit a quality tee shot to keep yourself in position so you can attack (the greens). If you are not in the fairway, it will be a struggle.”