Gace eyes Major success

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 08: Branden Grace of South Africa in action during a practice round ahead of the Volvo Golf Champions at Durban Country Club on January 8, 2013 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 08: Branden Grace of South Africa in action during a practice round ahead of the Volvo Golf Champions at Durban Country Club on January 8, 2013 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Published Jan 10, 2013

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Durban – Following a breakthrough season where he won four European Tour and one Sunshine Tour event, Branden Grace has ambitions of adding a Major title to his list of victories.

Grace was speaking ahead of his first European title defence at Durban Country Club for the Volvo Golf Champions starting on Thursday.

“I'm definitely looking forward to the Majors and the WGCs (World Golf Championships),” said Grace on Wednesday.

“I think the thing for me this year is really trying to compete in them this year.

“Where last year was just getting there and getting the experience and trying to make the cut, and get in my mind where I'm really saying that I can win a Major and I can win the British Open.

Grace, however, would have his work cut out to achieve anything near the success he had in 2012.

“Last year was remarkable, so if I get even close to that I'll be happy with it.

“I just want to keep going in the right direction, keep going in the right path and keep getting better and keep swinging the way I am, and you never know what can happen.

“It shows you how quick things change, especially in the game of golf.”

Grace – when asked which of the big three tours he would focus on (European, US PGA and Sunshine tours) – said he would attempt to play on all three.

“I'm thinking of doing all three to be honest. Because obviously I don't want to just jump into the U.S. part of things.”

Despite Grace breaking many records in 2012 on the European tour as a Q-school graduate, it was not his first season in Europe.

Grace played 26 events in Europe in 2009 and produced just one top ten finish.

Grace said he would hope to build on his experience before venturing onto American shores full-time.

“I think last year, I really just found my feet back in Europe again.

I don't just want to put myself out there in the States again and start all over what I've just started last year,” he said.

The 23-year-old said he planned to play more early season events on the US PGA tour.

“I'll be in the States for maybe the first part of the season and then maybe I'll be coming back to Europe to compete in the big events.”

Grace added that he would like a chance to win the Sunshine tour moneylist.

“It's always important for all of the South Africans to come back and support the Sunshine Tour,” Grace said.

“I made a big deal about it last year, I came back and played eight events, so hopefully the schedule allows me to head back and compete for the Order of Merit.” – Sapa

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