06 November 2018, by: BET Contributer

LOUIS’ TO LOSE? NOT QUITE AS SA OPEN OFFERS UP VALUE

The cynics will continue to moan about the Joburg Open’s sudden demise as the SA Open takes its venue, its date and its title sponsor.

For all intents and purposes the national championship – the second or third oldest depends on which google source you trust most – is the Joburg Open in disguise. But how do the cynics respond to the host of local stars that have opted to play in this year’s event?

Branden Grace and Charl Schwartzel will be there along with the old guard in tournament host Ernie Els and former Masters champion Trevor Immelman. Heck, even Louis Oosthuizen cancelled his family vacation to join his mates this time around. There’s always a ton of moaning but never enough praise and the best of the best in SA golf should be praised for opting in.

They won’t have their own way with the new wave in Erik van Rooyen, Dylan Frittelli, Dean Burmester, Justin Harding and Jacques Kruyswijk all keen to impress. Van Rooyen remember was second only to Shubhankar Sharma last year when Randpark hosted the Joburg Open.

Who will prevail across Randpark’s Firethorn and Bushwillow courses?

Louis Oosthuizen 8.50

The King as his fans know him is the one to beat this week. He starts this week with something to prove as he looks to overcome his Nedbank Golf Challenge heartbreak and end his two-year winless run. Oosthuizen is desperate to land this title and end a series of near-misses with three top fives in as many starts in the national open. His game is well-suited to the course and he always plays well when surrounded by family and friends. They should have the champagne on ice come Sunday afternoon.

Swerve: Charl Schwartzel – still has to prove that he can string four low rounds together. One effort in the 70s could be all it takes to end aspirations of a victory.

Erik van Rooyen 34.00

You need to back this guy because he’ll win soon. Van Rooyen averages over 300 yards off the tee and his stats all point to a solid all round game. Add his numbers to his penchant for playing well on home soil and the time might just be now.

Swerve: Dean Burmester – not been anywhere near his best over the past few months with his top five at the Race to Dubai finale more of a smokescreen than an indication of his rejuvenation. Despite being tremendously long off the tee, he too often is undone but a round littered with bogeys.

Matt Wallace 13.50

The Englishman is second favourite according to the bookies and it’s easy to see why. He’s played the course before, was in the top five at the Nedbank Golf Challenge, has won three times in 2018 and was second at the DP World Tour Championship. No signs of fatigue or slowing down and definitely on to consider this week.

Swerve: Chris Paisley – Unlikely to defend his title not only due to the change in course. The Englishman has missed half of his cuts since breaking through at this event earlier this year.

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