Share

Van Rooyen realises boyhood dream at Sun City

accreditation
Erik Van Rooyen (Getty Images)
Erik Van Rooyen (Getty Images)

Cape Town - Erik van Rooyen has dreamed of playing in the Nedbank Golf Challenge since he was a child, and he gets his chance on the back of a year of solid performances in his debut season on the European Tour.

"It's a tournament I've always wanted to play as a kid and came here plenty of times with the family to watch," he said. "It's a privilege to be here."

Tee times: Nedbank Golf Challenge - Round 1

The 28-year-old has five top-10 finishes, including the runner-up finish behind Shubankhar Sharma at the Joburg Open and four top-20 finishes out of 23 starts on the European Tour since the beginning of the season.

"My first year on the European Tour gave me a lot of golf learning experiences, a lot of great finishes," he said about his year which will give him plenty of confidence coming to this week at Gary Player Country Club at Sun City.

"So again, we'll just keep doing what we're doing and we're moving in a really good direction."

Van Rooyen brings local experience to the $7.5-million tournament.

"I think the course will suit me pretty well. It's a ball-striker's paradise, really. You have long holes and small greens. I think that's going to be key this week," he said.

There is an extra treat in store for Van Rooyen too, as he will get to meet Gary Player on the tee during the course of the week.

"He is a great ambassador," said Van Rooyen. "I haven't met him yet. I'm sure I'll bump into him sometime this week. He's so good for golf in general and South African golf, it's great to have him here this week."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE