Bezuidenhout to spearhead SA’s hope for Claret Jug glory at Royal Troon

AS THE 153rd Open Championship begins at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland tomorrow, a quartet of South African golfers will be leading a strong contingent looking to stake a claim for the famed Claret Jug.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

Top-ranked South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout (68th in the world), who is fresh off some strong performances on the PGA Tour, will spearhead the SA onslaught. He tees off at 2.37 pm (SA time). Former champion Louis Oosthuizen (7.46 am), alongside Stinger GC teammate Dean Burmester, and youngster Aldrich Potgieter (10.47am) will also carry the country’s hopes of another major victory.

Another dark horse in the race will be Thriston Lawrence (3.04 pm), who finished tied for fourth at last year’s competition at Royal Troon.