Leighton Koopman|Published2 hours agoDefending champion Dylan Naidoo to lead star-studded field at 115th SA Open in Stellenbosch

Champion Dylan Naidoo is ready to defend his Investec SA Open title from Thursday at Stellenbosch Golf Club. Some of the world’s best golfers are set to tee it up in front of a sold-out crowdat the South African Open at Stellenbosch Golf Clubfrom 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 Naidooreturns with something to prove. Last year in Durban,he claimed his breakthrough titleafter 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.

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I want to give my absolute best,” Naidoo said. 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.”

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