Erik van Rooyen is confident a first European Tour win is not far away and victory this week at the Tshwane Open would bring a double reward.
The South African finished third on last season's Challenge Tour and has made an encouraging start this term, finishing second at the Joburg Open to earn himself a spot at this summer's Open Championship.
He is back on home soil at Pretoria Country Club and a good week would see him crowned South Africa's number one, with a finish of solo ninth or better handing him the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit.
The 28 year old was in contention at last week's Commercial Bank Qatar Masters before fading over the weekend but is confident that the experience he is gaining will soon bring him European Tour glory.
"I believe a win on the European Tour is just around the corner for me, especially after coming so close at the Joburg Open," he said.
"It’s obviously something that’s on my list of goals I want to achieve this year. I try not to have that in the front of my mind - just let the game take over and the rest will fall into place.
"That’s something I’m still learning. I’m still learning how to play when I’m in the lead or when I’m in the last group on Saturday or Sunday. I’m getting there and it’s just a matter of time.
"I am excited for this tournament, it’s the last big one of our Sunshine Tour season and I honestly believe the Order of Merit is going to come down to this one.
"I’m in a really good spot and I have everything to look forward to."
One man who already has European Tour victories and a Sunshine Tour Order of Merit on his mantelpiece is George Coetzee.
The South African won here in 2015, one of three European Tour wins in total and two that season in co-sanctioned events that helped him triumph on his home Tour.
Pretoria Country Club is the 31 year old's home course and he is hoping that familiarity can bring him another victory on South African soil.
"I'm excited to be back here," he said. "Obviously it helps to know the golf course and where to miss it but I’ll try and keep it straight this week.
"The course doesn’t suit my game 100 per cent but I grew up on it and I have figured out a way to play it. It’s just nice being at home and playing an event where you know everyone supports you.
"I get to stay at home for more events than the European Tour guys, which is nice. It’s great to play in an event as big as this on my home track.
"I haven’t come to my home course thinking I just want to make the cut. It would be nice to build some momentum for the rest of the season and maybe jump up the Race to Dubai Rankings. I just want to play well and put myself in a good space for the rest of the year."
