European Tour winner Richard Sterne has set his sights on achieving a unique record in South African golf when he tees it up in the 2015 Africa Open at East London Golf Club from 5-8 March.
Speaking from California where he competed in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on the PGA Tour, Sterne said that he wants to become the first winner of all of South Africa’s European Tour co-sanctioned tournaments and the 2015 Africa Open is at the top of his list.
“Most people would think that kind of record is impossible, but I think it can be done,” Sterne said.
“I know I am getting on a little, but Ernie Els won his fourth Major at the age of 42 and Miguel Ángel Jiménez was 50 when he won his 21st title on the European Tour.
“I’m still way off the 40 mark and I am as competitive as ever. To win all five European Tour co-sanctioned events would be an incredible achievement, and it’s definitely one of my goals.”
Following victories in the 2004 Open de Madrid and 2005 Celtic Manor Wales Open, Sterne accomplished an unprecedented feat in South African golf in 2008.
He won the Joburg Open in January and captured the Alfred Dunhill Championship and the South African Open Championship in two straight weeks in December.
He pushed his trophy tally on the European Tour to six when he claimed the Joburg Open for a second time in 2013. He also owns half a dozen titles on the Sunshine Tour, but he has never come close to a podium finish in the Africa Open or Tshwane Open.
The 33-year-old Sterne hopes to write another chapter in South African golfing history by adding another prestigious title to his haul of silverware in East London.
“I’ve been in strong positions before but I never really capitalised in the final round, so the first goal this year is to put myself in a challenging position for Sunday and then go for broke,” he said.
Sterne returns to East London Golf Club with fond memories.
The smooth-swinging Pretoria professional made his debut in the Africa Open in 2009 and earned huge support of the Buffalo City golf fans when he reeled in 11 birdies to better a one-day old course record 62 by former Masters Champion Angel Cabrera by one stroke.
He was one of the favourites heading into the final round, but he let himself down with a 73 to finish six shots off the pace from champion Retief Goosen.
“I guess I stamped my authority on the course in 2009, but my putter went cold in the final round, and that has kind of been the story in my three visits at the Africa Open,” said Sterne, who tied for 13th in 2010 and finished sixth in 2012.
“I put myself in the mix, but let myself down with one bad round. I really want to turn that around this year.”
Winning the eighth edition of Africa Open is certainly high on his list of priorities, but Sterne admits that he will face stiff competition in the Eastern Cape.
“There is a lot of Sunshine Tour and European Tour winners and a strong contingent of up-and-coming players in this year’s line-up,” Sterne said.
“The Africa Open carries a lot of world ranking points and exemption on the European Tour, and the points for the Investec Cup is also a huge incentive, so you can expect another tough battle. I’m feeling extra competitive this year, and hopefully that gives me an edge.”
The Africa Open is a co-sanctioned event between the Sunshine Tour and the European Tour and the field of 156 players – split equally between the two Tours – will compete for a purse of R14-million.
South Africa’s George Coetzee and former Open champion Darren Clarke from Northern-Ireland are among the confirmed entries, as well as 2015 South African Open champion, Andy Sullivan from England.
Entry is free on Thursday, 5 and Friday, 6 March. Tickets are R25 for adults and R10 for pensioners and children under 18 on Saturday, 7 and Sunday 8 March and can be purchased at the entrance gate at East London Golf Club.
