Schwartzel eyes Joburg hat-trick

Charl Schwartzel will be aiming to pick up an unprecedented hat-trick of wins at this week’s Joburg Open.
The South African will be vying for the three-peat alongside compatriot Richard Sterne, who will also have a chance of claiming a third win at the tournament this week.
Schwartzel claimed back-to-back victories at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club in 2010 and 2011, while Sterne won his titles in 2008 and 2013.
“After some time off I always feel fresh because I drain more mentally than I do physically,” said Schwartzel.
“It’s nice to have had time off and I feel up for the challenge and in our game that’s 85 per cent of the battle won.
“Time will tell what’s going to happen, but at least I feel good.
“We (he and Sterne) have played a lot of good golf around here so we’re pretty comfortable with it and I don’t think anything really changes for me around here.
“It’s always good to play in this tournament at a course that I like, and it’s no different this year.”
South Africans have dominated the event in the past, winning five of the last seven editions, but Schwartzel isn’t underestimating the international challenge.
“It’s not nice when they come and beat you on your home soil,” he told europeantour.com.
“There are a few guys out here that can play it well.
“Alvaro Quiros is here and he is one of the longest hitters in the game so if he hits it straight then he’ll have a good chance this week.”
Latest
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
News
Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
News
Rory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.
-
News
Tiger Woods focusing on return to PGA Tour after undergoing fifth back operation
The 45-year-old will miss the Farmers Insurance Open and the Genesis Invitational.
-
News
Lee Westwood resumes bid for record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup appearance
The 47-year-old occupied one of the automatic places in the team before the golf was stopped due to Covid-19.
-
News
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew turns to Golfer’s CBD in pursuit of further success
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew believes Golfer’s CBD could play a vital role in her future success.