Andy Sullivan has targeted a South African double in the Africa Open at East London Golf Club after capturing the 104th South African Open Championship last month.
Sullivan tied local hero Charl Schwartzel in regulation play at Glendower Golf Club, before triumphing on the first extra hole of a sudden-death play-off.
Having made his European Tour breakthrough, the Englishman carried his form to the Middle East, recording a top 20 in the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and finishing in a tie for fourth at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
Now the 28 year old is heading back to South Africa, and wants to follow 2010 Africa Open champion Schwartzel into the winner’s circle in Buffalo City.
Sullivan missed the cut on his debut in the event in 2012, but secured a top five finish a year later courtesy of solid rounds of 70, 70, 69 and 68. The Nuneaton native is understandably confident of mounting a bold bid to become the first international winner when the eighth edition of the event unfolds from March 5-8.
“I am playing very well at the moment and it would be great to get another win under the belt early in the season to boost my Race to Dubai and world rankings,” said Sullivan.
“Adding the Africa Open title to my tally and pulling off a European double in Africa would be absolutely great, especially since the South Africans seem to have a grip on this tournament.”
Sullivan enjoyed his previous trips to Buffalo City, especially the support from the crowds.
He said: “The course is one of those typical old-style golf courses where there is a lot of risk and reward, and you have to think your way around it.
“There are a lot of interesting holes, and it suits my eye and my game. I like the fact that there are a couple of drivable par-fours too, because it makes things interesting.
“I really enjoyed the crowds in my two previous starts, because they really get behind the golfers, no matter what nationality. The fans just love being out there with us, and getting treated to some great golf. I’m back with more experience, more consistency, more patience and the confidence to know I can get the job done, so hopefully another good week is waiting.”
Sullivan will lead a strong international assault in East London next month.
Former Open champion Darren Clark and a band of European Tour winners including Gary Stal and Alexander Levy from France, Danes Thorbjørn Olesen and Morten Ørum Madsen, Scotland’s Marc Warren and Englishmen David Horsey, Daniel Brooks, Chris Wood, Oliver Wilson and David Howell are amongst the current entrants.
No entry fee will be charged for spectators who want to catch the action at East London Golf for the first two rounds.
