Local golf fans are in for a treat when the SA Open is hosted at the Country Club for the 17th time in the event’s 100-year history. The tournament will tee off on December 16 and run until December 19.
Some of the players who’ve won the coveted championship at Durban Country Club in the past include Gary Player, Bobby Locke, Ernie Els, Tim Clark, Tony Johnstone, Wayne Westner and Bobby Cole.
South African Golf Association president Enver Hassen commented on the association’s website, “This course, with its challenging lay-out and wonderful spectator viewing locations, will provide a dramatic stage for the world’s second oldest Open.
“The South African Open sits proudly on the amateur and professional schedule with a list of past champions that compares with the best in the world. We look forward to welcoming the world’s best golfers to Durban Country Club in December.”
According to Gareth Tindall, commissioner of the Sunshine Tour, “The SA Open has gone from strength to strength in recent years and is truly one of the great sporting events held in South Africa today.”
Ann Robbie, chief executive officer of club, commented, “We certainly have a long history with the SA Open and are deeply honoured to have been selected to host the 100th playing.”
The club’s website proudly states, “Welcome to Durban Country Club – proud host of the centenary SA Open in December 2010.” “We are proud to announce that the 100th South Africa Open will be hosted in association with the Province of KwaZulu-Natal in December 2010 at Durban Country Club. The Club has hosted this championship, the second oldest golf open in the world after the British Open, for a record 16 times – the most of any club in the country.”