South African Jaco Van Zyl is relishing making his debut in next week’s Nedbank Golf Challenge and is hoping to finish a strong year on a high.
The 36 year old has had a superb season, returning impressively from a long spell out of action after surgery on both knees to come close to winning his maiden European Tour title.
Earlier this month he finished second in the Turkish Airlines Open, and a third place finish at the Alstom Open de France in July earned him a debut appearance in The Open Championship. It was easily the most lucrative campaign of his career so far, with total earnings of more than €1.3million around double his previous best, and he finished 21st in the Race to Dubai.
The Gary Player Country Club in Sun City, venue for the Nedbank Golf Challenge, is a place Van Zyl knows well, having watched his idols there as a youngster before competing numerous times as a professional.
““I used to go with a bunch of mates to watch it, so it’s a nice one to get under my belt,” he said. “I remember the first time I went, walking round watching Retief (Goosen). I was really struck by how good the vibe was.
“It’ll be a nice way to cap a great season. They call it Africa’s Major and it has always had a very prestigious field. It’s not too far from home, I love the golf course and it’s a great atmosphere.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’ve played a few events there, so I’ve had my fair share of rounds on the course and know it very well.
“The whole venue is awesome and the weather’s always good – it’s just a really great event all round. It’s a beautiful place to be.”
Van Zyl will be part of a world-class field, with two-time Major Champion Martin Kaymer, Masters Tournament winner Charl Schwartzel and Ryder Cup stars Victor Dubuisson, Henrik Stenson and Victor Dubuisson all set to play.
