Golf

Strydom into The Open and US PGA this season

Ockie Strydom began the present Sunshine Tour season as a participant trying to make that step up in his profession.

He ends it at this week’s Tour Championship having achieved precisely this, with two DP World Tour wins and now Major Championship golf to sit up for as nicely.

Strydom struck gold

Strydom goes into this week’s Sunshine Tour season-ending Tour Championship at Serengeti Estates because the top-ranked golfer on the Tour’s Luno Order of Merit. He can’t be caught this week so will finish the season in first place.

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This brings with it Major incentives for Strydom, together with a spot in The Open at Royal Liverpool in addition to the US PGA Championship at Oak Hill, the latter coming by way of the Federation Ranking on the Official World Golf Ranking.

“I’m into two Majors at the moment, and I’m also hoping to get into the US Open through my ranking on the DP World Tour. So that could be three Majors this year, which would be a first for me. It’s challenging and exciting at the same time,” mentioned Strydom.

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“I’m trying not to approach anything differently. It definitely sounds nice to say I’m playing in Majors, and it’s a word that changes the mindset. But I’ll try and approach them as just another golf tournament where I have the opportunity to play against the best players in the world.”

Nedbank spot wrapped up

Strydom’s first place on the ultimate Luno Order of Merit may also safe him a spot within the Nedbank Golf Challenge later this 12 months.

So it’s a rewarding week for Strydom, and on a golf course that at all times brings out one of the best in his sport.

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“It’s nice to be back here to finish off the Sunshine Tour season. I always play well on this course. I’m a more experienced golfer this year as well so hopefully it’s another good week for me.”

The area this week consists of Casey Jarvis, who ought to wrap-up the Rookie of the Year award.

“That was one of my goals at the beginning of the year and I’m proud to have achieved it. I’ve only been a pro for about seven months and I’ve learned so much out here. I’m very happy with my first season,” he mentioned. – Michael Vlismas

Ockie Strydom claimed a life-changing maiden victory on the DP World Tour when he received the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek. Photo by Tyrone Winfield/Sunshine Tour/Gallo Images

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