Golf Central

The European Tour remains in South Africa this week for the South Africa Airways Open, an event co-sanctioned by the European and Sunshine Tours. It’s contested on the Jack Nicklaus designed course on the Pearl Valley Golf Estate and I’m backing two natives and last week’s winner in South Africa to shine…

Trevor Immelman @ 7/1: Immelman will be full of confidence following his victory in South Africa’s ‘major’ at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City a fortnight ago. He can boast a great record in this event having won it in 2003 and 2004, on both occasions at the nearby Erinvale course, and finished runner-up last year. Finally, his course experience and knowledge will give him a definite edge over most of his competitors.

Tim Clark @ 14/1: Clark also has a fantastic record in this event, he won as a qualifier in 2002, was second in 2003 and triumphed again in 2005. His three-second place finishes in his final eleven tournaments on the US Tour last year signifies his ability. Clark has declared that, after the majors, he rates the South African Open as the most important event so expect him to produce the goods.

John Bickerton @ 66/1: Ernie Els’ disaster on the final hole at last weeks’ Alfred Dunhill Championship allowed Bickerton to claim his third European Tour success. However, Bickerton’s performance should not be underestimated. He played four days of very good golf and closed with two rounds of 68 to finish on 13 under par. A repeat of that form will see him compete for honours here, and still at a very attractive price.