Johannesburg – Charl Schwartzel will headline the South African Open field when the tournament begins at Glendower Golf Club in Johannesburg on November 24.
Schwartzel confirmed his participation at the Sunshine and European Tour sanctioned event along with European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley on Thursday.
Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters Champion, is yet to win his national title – the second oldest in golf – and said a victory in his national Open was on his radar.
“It has always been my dream to win the SA Open trophy,” said Schwartzel on Thursday.
“For me, there is no bigger title outside the Majors for a South African to win.”
Schwartzel, 29, comes off a solid, yet unremarkable season on the PGA Tour where he finished 33rd in the FedExCup standings.
The world number 18 last tasted victory on South African soil in December when he won the Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek with a runaway 12 stroke victory margin.
Schwartzel was the top amateur in the 2002 SA Open at Durban Country Club where compatriot Tim Clark emerged victorious.
“I watched Tim Clark receive the trophy and the joy, delight and pride were all over his face.
“I would like to experience that, because there is something indescribable about winning your national Open. Ours is steeped in history and some of the greatest players from this country and abroad have their names on this trophy.”
The other top South Africans in the field who have already committed are Darren Fichardt, Dawie van der Walt, Jaco van Zyl, Desvonde Botes, and Jake Roos. – Sapa