Ryder Cup star headed for SA Open
European Ryder Cup star Martin Kaymer has confirmed that he will tee it up in next month’s South African Open.
Kaymer will make his first appearance in the South African Open, to be played at the Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate from 15-18 November.
And he’ll do so with his role in a dramatic Ryder Cup still very much in the minds of South African golf fans.
At Medinah Country Club on Sunday, the former world No 1 from Germany holed the crucial eight-foot putt that gave him not only a victory in his match against American Steve Stricker, but also ensured that Europe retained the Ryder Cup. Europe eventually beat the United States 14½ to 13½.
“We are delighted to have Martin in the field, especially after his performance for Europe in the Ryder Cup, which was a case of German precision at its finest,” said tournament chairman Khaya Ngqula.
“This is going to be a rare opportunity for South African golf fans to not only witness a former world No 1 and Major winner, but a current Ryder Cup hero. This gives further weight to the South African Open’s status as a global tournament.”
Kaymer is relishing his return to South Africa.
“I’ve never played the South African Open before, but I think we should play more tournaments in South Africa in general,” the 2010 US PGA champion said.
“It’s a beautiful place. I’ve been there two or three times and I always look forward to going to South Africa.
“Besides playing golf, there is so much to experience. For me it was always great to take friends and family to experience South Africa.”
With the field for the South African Open still be to be finalised and several other big names yet to be announced, Kaymer will certainly be one of the biggest to step onto the fairways of the Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate.
Since turning professional in 2005, Kaymer has claimed 18 victories worldwide, including the 2010 US PGA Championship for his only Major to date.
Early in 2011 he climbed to the No 1 position on the world ranking, and although his 2012 season has not been up to his usual high standard, he will head to South Africa buoyed by his role for Europe in the Ryder Cup.
