Charl Schwartzel will try to join a select group of back-to-back Masters winners that includes only Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.

South Africa star Charl Schwartzel will join an exclusive band of golfers if he wins a third consecutive Joburg Open title this weekend.

Having won the last two events on the European Tour, there is little doubt SA’s Richard Sterne is the favourite going into this weekend’s Jo’burg Open

Nick Faldo faced a chorus of criticism at home on Monday after Europe’s lopsided Ryder Cup loss to the United States.

With two years of patient preparation finally behind them, Europe launch their bid on Friday for an unprecedented fourth successive Ryder Cup.

Ryder Cup team speculation gathered pace at Valhalla Golf Club on Wednesday two days ahead of Friday’s opening foursomes.

Europe’s team spirit has underpinned their dominance of recent Ryder Cups and captain Nick Faldo has made that a priority for their title defence.