Ernie Els and Retief Goosen have decided to focus their efforts on securing a world first for South African golf on the European Tour this season.
The country’s two leading golfers are currently in first and second place on the European Tour’s Volvo Order of Merit, and will be aiming to maintain their stranglehold on the Tour in the final few events of the season in what will be a historic achievement.
South Africa has never had two of its golfers claim the top two spots on the European Tour’s final money list in a season.
”I think it’s a unique opportunity for us to make history for South Africa, and for that reason we need to give it our best shot,” said Els, who currently holds the second spot on the Order of Merit after Goosen leapfrogged him with a spectacular second
place finish in the World Golf Championships American Express Championship in Ireland this weekend.
Retief won the US Open and finished top of the European Tour’s Order of Merit last season. This year, I won the British Open and I’m in the running for the European Tour Order of Merit.”
If either golfer finishes top of the Order of Merit, it will mark the first time South Africa has had back-to-back number ones on the European Tour.
”It’s not often you get to be a part of something as historic as this, and we are both aware of what the significance of such an achievement would be for South Africa, and because of this we have
adjusted our schedules,” said Goosen, who is now just under 8 000 Pounds clear of Els on the European money list.
Unfortunately, the two golfers’ decision to focus on the European Tour means they will be unable to defend their World Cup of Golf title in Mexico from December 12-15.
”That’s a big blow. Retief and I really enjoyed winning the title last year and would’ve liked to defend it,” said Els.
”But if you think about it, South Africa has won the World Cup of Golf four times. But we’ve never held first and second place at the same time on the European Tour. I think it’s important that we get this one in the country’s trophy cabinet as well.
”This also gives some of our others players a great opportunity to play for their country and we will be pushing them to do well.” – Sapa