You know what time it is? No, not Millers time. It is however, nearly SAA Open time! Yes that’s correct. It runs from the 13th until the 16th of December 2007 and we are making a move to pull through there to see our boys absolutely punishing that little dimpled piece of whatever a golf ball is made of. Anyway, SLXS received this press release, and although it is dated the 4th of December 2007, it is still relevant. Do you think I would post something if it was not relevant to you. Exactly! Here is what we received:
Cape Town, 4 December 2007; In two weeks time Trevor Immelman will return to a South African Airways Open championship that, even amidst his recent Nedbank Golf Challenge victory, still holds the fondest golfing memories for him.
After winning the $1.2 million cheque at Sun City on Sunday, Immelman said that while beating 11 of the world’s best golfers was indeed a highlight of his career, winning two South African Airways Open titles was equally special.
Immelman won back to back South African Airways Open titles in 2003 and 2004 at Erinvale in the Cape. That made him the first golfer since Gary Player in 1976/77, and the seventh in the history of the championship to successfully defend his title.
And Immelman said after his recent triumph at Sun City that, after taking a few days off, he will be back preparing for a third South African Airways Open title from 13-16 December.
“The South African Airways Open is a tournament that’s very dear to my heart. It’s also being played at Pearl Valley, which is one of my home courses. I want to get ready for that and play some good golf that week,” said Immelman.
“I’ve always ranked my two South African Airways Open titles really highly because it’s the second oldest tournament in the world, and because I won them down in the Cape where I’m from, which is such a special feeling”
But there is no doubt that winning the Nedbank Golf Challenge will go down as one of the highlights of his career.
“To come back home and and win in front of so many South Africans that are behind you is very special. It’s great to give back. I’ve been fortunate to receive so much help and support and well wishes from South Africans since I was 5 or 6 years old and achieving small things in golf. So to play some good golf and give something back to the local galleries makes me really happy.”
This years South African Airways Open field will be one of the strongest in the history of the championship.
Ernie Els will defend his title and says he wants to end 2007 with a win on home soil.
“I want to end my 2007 season on a high note. I would love to get a win on South African soil. I’ve got six weeks off after the South African Airways Open and that will be my break. So I feel like I still want to get some more out of this year.”
Another victory for Els would also take him a step closer to achieving his three-year goal of becoming the world number one again.
“I feel I’ve made some improvements. I’ve got new equipment and I feel my equipment has come a long way. The swing is pretty sound now. I had some chances in a few Majors. I just need to keep working and improving on my putting, especially under pressure. Tiger(Woods) has got an edge on me on the greens”
“But I’ve got two years left of my promise. Obviously I’ve got to win tournaments, and big ones, and keep moving up the world rankings.”
Retief Goosen, Tim Clark, Greg Norman, Darren Clarke and Charl Schwartzel add to the impressive field.
Tickets for the South African Airways Open are available at Computicket( Click HERE to book) or for more details about this event, visit www.saaopen.com
END
So there we go. All the scoop on this prestigious event. BOOM!
Sean Lloyd
Editor
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