Richard Sterne has set his sights on becoming the first back-to-back winner of the South African Open Championship since Trevor Immelman in 2003/04, when he defends his title in the 99th edition of the second oldest national Open at Pearl Valley Golf Estates from December 17-20.
Sterne will anchor a superb cast of young stars in the quest to again win one of the most coveted titles in South African golf.
"Winning the South African Open Championship last year was a defining moment in my career," said Sterne, whose victory capped a summer of back-to-back victories when he edged out Northern Ireland's Gareth Maybin at the first extra hole.
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"For most of us the Majors are our biggest focus, but for me personally, it has always been a dream and a goal to win our national Open."
'it has always been a dream and a goal to win our national Open' In 2004, Immelman became only the seventh golfer in the history of the South African Open to successfully defend his title with a three-stroke victory at Erinvale Golf Club.
Sterne added that while watching Immelman's triumph, and others when he was younger, he always imagined it would be a defining moment of his career to stand in front of a South African gallery as the winner of the South African Open.
"It was exactly as I imagined. When I watched James (Kingston) win in 2007 and I saw the tears running down his cheeks at the prize giving, I wondered if I would feel the same.
"I wondered if winning the South African Open would reduce me to tears, and it did.
"There is definitely something different about a South African Open victory.
'it's one of the most prestigious titles you can win' "As a young South African golfer, it's one of the most prestigious titles you can win.
"It's almost unbelievable to see your name engraved on that trophy alongside names such as Brews, Locke and Player - they were the pioneers of South African golf.
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