Ernie Els says the decision to move the Dunhill Championship to a December date may lure more players of his calibre to the event.
World number three Els is playing on the Sunshine Tour for the first time since the Dunhill Championship at Houghton in 2002, but suggests his presence at Leopard Creek might be a sign of things to come.
‘We mentioned a couple of years ago that if they move some of these events forward, some of the guys might play,†said Els. ‘It’s a good move from the tour. It makes it a bit more difficult for the overseas guys having it in December, holiday time for a lot of people. But for us South African guys it gives us a chance to play and support the tour.â€
Els made it clear that it had always been his intention to return to his roots and play more in South Africa, but was denied the opportunity by schedule clashes.
‘It’s impossible for me to play in the new year, because if I have a good year I qualify for the Mercedes Champs, which is a limited field event … it’s a good start to the year.â€
Els made the trip to Malelane from Sun City, where he finished second behind compatriot and world number four Retief Goosen at the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
Els hinted that Goosen himself might have joined him this week, had it not been for Goosen’s need to return to England and his wife and newborn child, who had spent the week in hospital with severe bronchitis.
‘Unfortunately, Retief had to get back to England having just had a new baby, so you can understand why he’s not here this week,†said Els. ‘But I think you’ll see a lot of the guys coming down to play here in South Africa now.â€
Els went on to praise the current state of South African golf and the emerging stars who promise its longevity.
‘When I started playing we had quite a few guys playing on the US Tour, so there was a strong group of players, and then we kind of went through a dull period, but it looks like it’s getting stronger again,†said Els.
‘And this time we’ve got young guys, like Tim Clark, Richard Sterne, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Trevor Immelman. We’ve got some really good young players, which is looking really good for the future.†— Sapa