Where the Puerto Rican Bad Bunny says NUEVAYoL, this week we can replace it with Stellenbosch. Look, it even rhymes. Because if you want to have fun, don’t miss the South African Open. It looks promising. It’s a classic course, rather short, but the preparation has been demanding. The fairways are very narrow, the rough is really tough and long, and the greens are expected to be firm. If you add a more than decent wind from midday throughout the rounds, the conclusion is that it will be a tough test. Also, it’s a par 70. The predictions in the players lounge at the course in these preceding hours are that we’ll see if the winner reaches -10… Spicy. Fun.
The only downside to the preparation is that they haven’t managed to make the rough consistent everywhere. There are very bad areas where it’s hard to get the ball out even with a wedge and others where it almost sits on a tee. That is to say, luck will play a role, especially on the final day when the tournament is being decided. However, for those who manage to stay on the fairway, there will be no problems of any kind. There is quite a consensus in Stellenbosch that to win this week, you have to play very well. In other words, it’s not going to be a putting contest; you need to be sharp from tee to green.
The tournament has plenty of incentives. The winner gets a spot in the Masters Tournament, and the top three finishers not already exempt will receive a ticket to the Open Championship. The only two players already qualified for the Masters playing in the tournament are Charl Schwartzel and Patrick Reed. Meanwhile, those already in for the Open include Ángel Ayora, Jack Buchanan, Martin Couvra, Ernie Els, Michael Hollick, Kota Kaneko, and Joakim Lagergren.
Precisely, two names have emerged from these lists that are incentives in themselves this week. One is obviously Patrick Reed, leader of the Race to Dubai and already a two-time winner this year on the tour. The American continues to show his commitment to the DP World Tour and to playing tournaments. It’s appreciated. He knows the history of the South African Open and would love to have his name on the winners’ list. Moreover, as the course is described—short, narrow, and with a lot of rough—it seems to suit him perfectly. We’ll see if he maintains his great form or has lost some brilliance with the break he took after winning the Qatar Masters.
The other name is Ángel Ayora. The Andalusian is playing very well, and the DP World Tour has already given him the status of a major star on the tour. That’s their consideration. Just look at the group they’ve placed him in, undoubtedly the most stellar among the stars of the first and second rounds. Specifically, he will compete alongside Jayden Schaper and Casey Jarvis, the two trending South Africans, with three victories already this season. It will be the match that attracts the most spectators for sure, competing somewhat, but from afar, with the one featuring Patrick Reed, Schwartzel, and Couvra. Ayora plays in the morning on Thursday and in the afternoon on Friday. From what they say about the wind, this week it’s important to take advantage of the mornings to score well.
In addition to Ayora, Iván Cantero, Ángel Hidalgo, Pablo Larrazábal, Alejandro del Rey, Rafa Cabrera Bello, Jorge Campillo, and Manu Elvira are in South Africa. All of them, obviously, are vying for that spot in the Masters and the Open, adding an extra attraction for the week.
And if you’re still thinking about it, there’s Ernie Els. Five-time champion of the South African Open. He’s participating. A good time to keep being mesmerised by the rhythm of his swing.
So you know, if you want to have fun, Stellenbosch.
