Charl Schwartzel heads to Humewood in Port Elizabeth for this week’s South African Airways (SAA) Open determined to claim the victory that eluded him last week and continue his quest for a place in next year’s United States Masters.
The 22-year-old lost to Spain’s Alvaro Quiros on the final hole of last week’s Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek.
It was a bitter disappointment for Schwartzel, who dominated the tournament right up to the 72nd hole, where he hit his second into the water for Quiros to claim a one-stroke victory.
”Now I’m going full out for this one and maybe I can win,” he said ahead of this week’s SAA Open, which tees off at the historic Humewood links on Thursday.
”I’ve never played Humewood. From what I’ve heard it’s a fantastic course and one of the best links in the world. So I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone’s been talking about.”
Schwartzel’s record in the SAA Open bodes well for him this week.
”I’ve had a few good finishes in the last events. Last year at Fancourt I was lying third with four holes to go and just didn’t finish it off properly. I’m feeling quite confident and would love to get a [South African] Open under my belt. It’ll be a fantastic way to finish my year.”
Barring his stumble last week, it has been a memorable year for Schwartzel, in which he finished a career best 18th on the European Tour Order of Merit.
The SAA Open also represents his last chance in 2006 to break into the top 50 on the world rankings, thereby securing him a place in the Masters at Augusta next year.
”It’s definitely one of my goals before the end of the year. If I can achieve that then I would’ve achieved every goal I set for myself this year.”
The field is a strong one and includes Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman, Tim Clark and Lee Westwood.
Westwood heads to Humewood in good form following his third place finish at Leopard Creek, while Els is desperate for some inspiration after another frustrating week.
The triple Major champion lost to Goosen in last year’s SAA Open, and this week’s event represents his last chance to claim a win in 2006.
Els has won at least once a year every year since 1993. — Sapa