03/02/2014: Sterne hunting Joburg Open history
Richard Sterne is looking to become the first three-time winner of the Joburg Open when he returns to defend his title in the European and Sunshine Tour co-sanctioned tournament at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club this week.
The tournament tees off on Thursday on both the East and West golf courses, with the final two rounds played solely on the East.
Sterne became the first South African winner of the Joburg Open in 2008, and then claimed the biggest victory margin in the history of the tournament when he won it again last year by seven strokes.
And after two weeks playing in the Middle East, Sterne is obviously looking forward to his homecoming.
"I like the course and it's always nice playing back in South Africa. I like that layout. It just suits my eye. And it's a nice feeling knowing you're defending champion. Maybe there's a little pressure, maybe not. It's a new year, new event, so last year doesn't matter."
But the way he took the title last year did a lot for Sterne's confidence for the rest of the season. The Pretoria professional opened with a 63 and then stormed home with a final round of 64 to win by seven over Charl Schwartzel.
"It was nice to put in a good round and win by seven in the end. It's nice to have a few shots going into the last few holes and not needing to worry and just enjoy it. A 64 on the final day was nice too. I hit some nice shots and made some putts when it counted. That gave me the confidence for the rest of the year."
As he looks ahead to this week, Sterne says he's hoping for a bit more consistency in his game.
"I've had it going a couple of times but just not finished off the round. That's been frustrating. The game is feeling better and I'm hitting a lot of good shots. If I can just get everything together and not throw away silly shots, I'll be competing to win."
PHOTO CREDIT: Sunshine Tour.
For more information, please visit www.joburgopen.com, or contact:
PROMOTERS:
SAIL
Thomas Abt
HOD: Golf
TEL: +27 (0) 11 347 1387 ▪ CELL: +27 (0) 82 411 0840
EMAIL: thomas@sail.co.za
Website: www.sail.co.za
MEDIA:
Michael Vlismas
TEL: +27 (0) 72 242 8399 ▪ EMAIL: michaelv@iafrica.com
SUNSHINE TOUR:
Mike Green
Communications Manager
TEL: +27 (0) 21 850 6500 ▪ FAX: +27 (0) 21 852 8271 ▪ CELL: +27 (0) 82 830 2808
EMAIL: mgreen@sunshinetour.com
Website: www.sunshinetour.com
HOST COURSE:
Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club
1 Fairway Avenue, Linksfield North, Johannesburg, Gauteng
TEL: +27 (0) 11 640 3021 ▪ FAX: +27 (0) 11 640 9419
Website: www.royaljk.za.com
About the Joburg Open
The Joburg Open is a 72-hole stroke play championship co-sanctioned by the European Tour and Sunshine Tour. The field comprises 206 professionals. The first two days of the tournament will be played on both the East and West courses at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, with the final two rounds played solely on the East Course. The cut will be to the top 65 and ties. The Joburg Open is one of the official qualifying tournaments for the 2014 Open Championship. The top three players within the top 10 of the Joburg Open not already exempt for the Open will gain entry into the Major.
